INTERVIEW WITH JACK JOSEPH – RECRUIT NUMBER 3 (BRITISH)

Age: 25

From: Brighton

Occupation: Content Creator

IG – jackjos3ph, TT @jackjos3ph

Jack Joseph is a Gen Z content creator with over six million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, known for his honest, relatable videos and sharp UK humour. Raised in Brighton in a close-knit family, with an ex-army REME mechanic father, Jack is driven to prove his resilience and live up to high expectations. After the Covid-19 pandemic forced him to close his marketing agency, he found rapid success on TikTok, amassing millions of followers, over 300 million likes, and viral hits including Kids for No Reason with more than 60 million views. Now taking on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Jack hopes to confront his fears of heights, helicopters, and claustrophobia, determined to show he has the mental toughness to see the challenge through.

Why did you want to take part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins?

I think the main reason is that, over the past five years, I’ve been living in a lot of comfort. With what I do in this industry, it’s quite an easy and comfortable job. It’s my dream job and I’m incredibly grateful for it, but I felt like I’d been in that comfort zone for too long.

Over the past couple of years, I also stopped looking after myself properly. I used to train a lot and I was very obsessive about eating clean and tracking calories. It almost became unhealthy — I was eating "healthy," but not in a healthy way, if that makes sense. Then I swung the other way and stopped taking care of myself as much. I used to wake up, meditate, and do all the right things, but as work got busier, I neglected that and settled into a more comfortable routine. It became hard to break that cycle.

I needed something to push me out of it. I tried a few different things, but when the call came for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There’s nothing else where you get pushed to this extreme. It was perfect timing for me.

You were doing it alongside athletes and sports stars. Did you feel like they had an unfair advantage? 

I wouldn’t say it was unfair — everyone’s equal once you’re there. But it was definitely intimidating. Someone like Toby, for example, is huge and physically dominant, so it was hard to keep up. That was always in my mind. 

The DS pushed me a lot, especially because they could see how much I was struggling physically. The dam task was a nightmare. I genuinely felt like I had several near-death experiences. They push you harder than you think you can go — like when they put me at the front and I still somehow ended up at the back.

What were your thoughts on the DS? 

I really liked them. They’re tough but I respect them massively because they’ve done this for real, and probably ten times harder. The first time I saw Foxy’s arms, I knew I was in for one hell of a week. Rudy is a legend. I’ve never been so inspired by someone. He could talk for hours and I’d listen. 

What surprised me most was that nothing is faked. From the outside, you assume cameras stop rolling and someone brings you a cup of tea — but that never happens. It’s 24/7 pressure, anxiety, and exhaustion. That was a real wake-up call.

What was the hardest part? 

Endurance, without a doubt. My body just isn’t built for long, steep mountain hikes. It was the most horrendous feeling I’ve ever had. On top of that, all I’d eaten that day was a banana and two carrots, so I was completely running on fumes. The black bag over the head was also horrific. I couldn’t work out how to breathe in it. I don’t know if mine didn’t have holes or what, but in 40-degree heat, breathing dust and what felt like CO₂, was terrifying.

What fears did you overcome? 

I’m scared of everything — heights, water, tight spaces. The tunnels were the worst. I had a full panic attack and basically blacked out. Have I overcome those fears? Probably not, to be honest. But I did face them.

How was it showing a vulnerable side, when you know it’s going to be broadcast to the world?

It was weird. I don’t really talk about feelings — not with friends or family. Even when I’m feeling down, I just don’t speak about it. It felt awkward, but at the same time, it was quite freeing.

How did you find being on the course with your good friend Cole Anderson-James? 

It made everything so much easier. Having someone to come back to, have a laugh with, and decompress with really helped relieve the pressure. Seeing Cole struggle as well actually helped me mentally. As strange as it sounds, it reassured me knowing that it wasn’t just me finding it hard.

Was there anyone else there who you got particularly close to? 

I really like Graeme. He’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. If he wasn’t a cricketer, he could genuinely be a comedian. Everything he says makes me laugh. I’ve already told him we need to play golf and have a few beers together. Dani as well — honestly, I got on with everyone on the UK team.

Was there any tension between any of the recruits? 

There was a bit. Graeme and Ryan had a moment — not an argument, but a bit of tension. Ryan was trying to help, but it came across like he was acting as an extra DS. His intentions were good, but the delivery was wrong. That said, a lot of what he was saying was true.

How did you find the living situation?

Honestly, it was awful. Outside it was boiling hot. I was always scared about keeping dry kit ready, so I’d end up wearing wet clothes. I probably slept about two hours a night. It was brutal.

What was your biggest fear going into the course? 

Everything. Watching it on TV doesn’t prepare you at all. I thought it would be more of a mental battle than a physical one, but this season was relentless physically — constant beasting and endless hikes.

What was the worst challenge for you? 

The tunnels, without question. I’d never had a panic attack before, but that pushed me over the edge. Mud, dust, barely any space to move, people in front and behind you, and constant time pressure — it was horrific.

Do you feel reassured that content creators are finally being recognised as legitimate celebrities? 

I think so. TV needs younger audiences, and social media creators bring that. But I had serious imposter syndrome being there. When taking part in a series called Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, you question if you belong — especially next to Olympians and medal winners.

That said, no one made us feel out of place. There were no egos at all, which was really nice.

What advice would you give someone considering taking part in the series in the future? 

Be as physically and mentally prepared as you can — especially physically. But honestly, you can never fully prepare. When you’re in there, try to stay present. I spent too much time in my head.

I wish I’d trained properly for a year beforehand. My lungs genuinely felt like they were going to collapse. But it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it really can help reset you. I would recommend it — just make sure you’re ready.