Firass Dirani has earned himself a reputation as a troublemaker on SAS Australia.
But according to drill sergeant Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham, viewers didn’t see the half of it.
The ex-British Special Forces soldier told news.com.au on Monday that Firass’ bratty behaviour was ‘a lot worse’ than what was shown on TV.
Brat: Firass Dirani (pictured) has earned himself a reputation as a troublemaker on SAS Australia. But according to drill sergeant Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham, viewers didn’t see the half of it
Billingham also said the 37-year-old actor – who has complained online about being painted as the villain – should be ‘grateful’ for his generous portrayal on the show.
‘It came to the point where the rest of the celebrities were getting really fed up with him. That’s not a showpiece – he really was messing up all the time and he could not keep his mouth shut, no matter what you said to him,’ Billingham added.
According to the former military man, Firass would roll his eyes when the DS, or directing staff, were talking to him – the ultimate act of disrespect.
‘They’ve more than fairly edited him to be honest because he was a pain in the arse,” Billingham said, bluntly. ‘He’s a bit of a pain.’
‘They’ve more than fairly edited him’: Billingham, an ex-British Special Forces soldier, said on Monday that Firass’ bratty behaviour was ‘a lot worse’ than what was shown on TV
Despite only being two episodes in, Firass has already managed to get the SAS Australia drill sergeants offside on multiple occasions.
And his selfish behaviour – which has resulted in brutal punishments for the entire cast – unsurprisingly also angered his celebrity co-stars.
Former Biggest Loser trainer Shannan Ponton told TV Week: ‘On multiple occasions I asked Firass to hand in his badge, as his presence and repetitive behaviour were ruining the entire experience for the rest of us.’
SAS Australia in revolt: Firass was also ‘told to leave’ by his celebrity co-stars after his selfish behaviour led to brutal punishments on Seven’s military-style reality show
‘I struggled with Firass’ behaviour from day one,’ Shannan said, adding that the House Husbands star’s back-chat was a ‘lame attempt at juvenile humour’.
‘The entire cast was filthy, but many wanted to avoid confrontation and failed to speak up directly,’ the fitness coach said.
‘I repeatedly addressed each event as it transpired. It was “cooking” me, being punished unnecessarily at the end of a brutal and gruelling day.’
‘I asked Firass to hand in his badge’: Former Biggest Loser trainer Shannan Ponton (centre) said the recruits were ‘filthy’ over being ‘punished unnecessarily’ for Firass’ behaviour
‘I struggled with Firass’ behaviour’: Shannan described Firass’ back-chat towards the DS, or directing staff, as a ‘lame attempt at juvenile humour’
On Tuesday’s episode, the recruits were forced to run sprints as punishment for Firass’ insubordination, as the actor was ordered to stand back and watch.
Furious chief instructor Ant Middleton turned to Firass, 37, and his co-stars after the drill, and explained that two recruits had quit the show as a result of the task.
‘Out of three VW’s [voluntary withdrawal], two of them can thank this man here,’ he said, pointing at the actor.
Ant then made Firass turn and face his team, before informing him: ‘It’s not about you. Do not be that selfish p***k.’
‘There HAS to be a villain. And, lo and behold – right here, this is it’: Firass has since hit back at Channel Seven – claiming the network was portraying him as the ‘villain’ of the series
After the episode aired, Firass took to Instagram to hit back at Channel Seven – where he claimed the network was portraying him as the ‘villain’ of the series.
‘There has to be a villain, ladies and gentleman. There HAS to be a villain. And, lo and behold – right here, this is it,’ he said, pointing at himself.
‘I knew it. I knew they were going to make me into the villain!’ he added.
Cast: A total of 17 celebrities signed up for the intense SAS selection course run by an elite team of British ex-Special Forces soldiers
A total of 17 celebrities signed up for the intense SAS selection course run by an elite team of British ex-Special Forces soldiers.
Sydney-based PR queen Roxy Jacenko, 40, was the first to voluntarily withdraw from the series during episode one, due to a pre-existing injury.
Convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby, 43, and former NRL WAG and glamour model Arabella Del Busso, 30, both left in episode two.
SAS: Australia continues Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Seven
Must-see TV: SAS: Australia continues Monday at 7:30pm on Channel Seven. Pictured: ex-SAS solider Ant Middleton barks at Erin McNaught as she drags along Candice Warner