Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins has caused fury online since the series began on Sunday.
During the second episode on Monday, fans initially complained about two further exits as Chloe Burrows and Tasha Ghouri opted to walk out, while Hannah Spearritt and Louie Spence left on Sunday.
However, when the team of ex-Special Forces soldiers decided to chat with Michaella McCollum, 31, about her background fans debated her status as a “celebrity”.
McCollum made headlines back in 2013 for being one of two women arrested for attempted drug smuggling in Peru.
McCollum, along with Melissa Reid, became known as the “Peru Two” when the duo were caught with more than 12kg of cocaine.
Aged 19 at the time, McCollum had been living in Ibiza and working as a waitress.
The seventh series of SAS: Who Dares Wins sparked an immediate backlash with its debut episode on Sunday for its “weak” line-up.
However,, following the focus on McCollum on Monday, viewers began to argue about whether or not she should be on the series at all.
Celebrity SAS sees a group of famous faces learning how SAS soldiers defend the nation by being put through gruelling physical and mental challenges.
After a promising performance on Monday, McCollum was called in to speak with the officers, where she detailed her regrets over her past.
The officers noted she had been left traumatised from her experiences and urged her not to be so fearful of the current experience.
Taking to X, several viewers complained about her taking part in the show.
“She’s not a celebrity, I couldn’t care less that she’s served her time…” one wrote.
“She is only a celebrity in her head and nowhere else,” a second agreed while another penned: “Seriously, who cares, I’m confused as to why she’s a ‘celebrity.'”
“Pretty sad that somebodies celebrity status is defined by a prison sentence! Must be running thin on actual celebrities! Disappointed!!” Another argued.
Someone else added: “I usually love SAS Who Dares Wins and the celebrity version, but who the hell are these ‘celebrities’? Think I’m tuning out.”
“Surely this should be ‘spot the’ celebrity SAS who dares wins,” another commented.
Some were intrigued by McCollum’s story though, with one writing: “Eye-opening interview with Michaela. Interesting to hear her open up about her experience and get it off her chest. #SASWhoDaresWins.”
David Beckham fans have also complained about Rebecca Loos taking part in the series.
The 48-year-old former personal assistant, who made headlines in 2004 after claiming she had an affair with the footballer, returned to television screens on Sunday evening after a 16-year absence from British programming.
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Social media erupted with complaints about her participation in the survival reality series.
Multiple viewers expressed frustration that she continues to reference the scandal from 2003.
