Episode 5 Special Forces - Ultimate Hell Week

This programme contains strong language

With former soldiers of six of the world's toughest special forces,

we've created the ultimate military boot camp...

..to help shed light on the unique selection methods of these units.

For 12 days, 29 of Britain's fittest civilians will take this on.

Are you slow-witted?

There's something about competition.

Anything that causes me pain, I absolutely love it.

Special forces is the biggest, the most extreme challenge, I think,

that's out there. When you think special forces,

you think superheroes, really.

Go. Go!

I'm Freddie Flintoff. As an elite sportsman,

I know that it takes grit and determination to be the best.

That's it.

'I'll help understand their battle.' Keep going, then, use it.

'And cheer them on every punishing step...'

Go on, pal!

'..as our raw recruits attempt

'to push themselves beyond the physical and psychological limits.

'Only the very best will survive.'

Go home now.

Taking them through hell are former officers from the US Navy Seals...

We were brought in to weed out the weak.

Up! Down!

..the Australian SAS...

-You got the determination?

-Sir.

-The will to continue?

-Yes, sir.

-You sure?

Let's go, let's go, let's go.

..Russia's Spetsnaz....

-Oh, shit.

-You are bleeding! You are dying!

Put your hands up!

..Israel's Yamam...

-Are you quitting?

-No.

-Can you survive it - yes or no?

-Yes, sir.

..Navsog from the Philippines...

Back to zero!

..and, of course, Britain's SAS.

Going to be bezzies.

Only then will the final winner emerge,

on Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week.

This is where the fun begins.

Previously...

the recruits were tested on teamwork,

with two veterans of the US Navy Seals...

-We're going to get this

-BLEEP

-Land Rover out.

..leadership with an Israeli special forces veteran...

Come on, let's go!

Three, two, one.

..and endurance with our Navsog expert.

I feel like I'm drowning.

Place your hands on your head. Place your hands on your head.

The last 48 hours was all about pushing the recruits

beyond their limits with a former member of the Australian SAS.

I've been dropped. I'm done.

Miller was dismissed for poor leadership,

while Martlew and Hunter reached breaking point and both quit.

I'm the most knackered I've been.

Ten recruits remain, but who has what it takes to survive

the next 48 hours and secure one of only six places in the final?

With two days left until the final, the recruits are battered and bruised

from nonstop physical challenges.

They've been surviving on very little sleep

and it's really starting to grind them down.

-I was up for getting out and just beating him.

-Who?

-Spicer.

-Why?

-Snoring.

Sleeping in this tent might kill me before the physical exercise.

I think it's true. It is. It's the worst torture. It's like,

"Oh, thank God we're out doing push-ups again."

But there'll be no let-up in the intensity,

as the recruits are about to meet their next instructor.

Our first day with the next, er...

..torturer, I'll call them. Yeah.

Guys, stop what you're doing and listen in.

You need to have all your kit squared away, facing out,

ready to get on the transport.

Everyone is exhausted -

but with only six places available in the final,

there'll be no room for failure.

The recruits have just left camp.

They're on their way to meet Sonny Puzikas,

the man who's going to decide their fate over the next 48 hours.

Sonny is a former member of Spetsnaz, the Russian special forces.

Spetsnaz was created during the Cold War

and operatives are known for their ruthlessness and fearlessness.

Spetsnaz training...

At the end of the day, it's about killing your enemy,

achieving the objectives of the mission.

During training, they're constantly forced to confront danger and fear.

Every normal human being has fears.

When I see people denying it, to me

that itself spells out that they have more fears than I could name.

Our recruits have already been pushed to the limits physically

but with Sonny, it will all be about the psychological resolve.

Next two days, every step you take,

every breath you take, everything will be evaluated.

For the next 48 hours, whatever it is that you are hiding,

any fears that you have, I will find it, I will dig it out.

Don't hide it. Face it.

Deal with it. Work on it.

At the end of these 48 hours...

..only six of you will move on to the final stage of your selection.

Over the next two days, Sonny will be subjecting the recruits

to challenges that will test their ability to function

under mental pressure, their psychological resolve

and their ability to control their primal fears.

First up, it's controlling fear of heights.

The recruits will have to abseil down an 80-foot cliff face.

It's a simple task.

This is about seeing the fears and then overcoming them.

He's a scary-looking guy!

Don't really quite know what he defines as fear,

cos he doesn't look like he's scared of anything.

It's a challenge that will tap straight into the psyche

of ex-boxer Gatenby. He has a crippling fear of heights.

Shitting my pants.

Up until now, Gatenby has been fearless throughout the competition.

Although he's struggled in many of the challenges,

he's bravely pushed on through.

I'm built like a Jack Russell, with the heart of a lion.

But will Sonny be the instructor who finally pushes Gatenby over the edge?

Why is facing your fears so important in Spetsnaz?

Fear is like a disease -

if you don't admit you have it, you can't cure it.

You strike me as a person who doesn't look, on the surface,

to have too many fears.

But is that something you've had to work at to get through?

Every person has fears.

The problem is, does the fear control you

or do you control your fears?

To control it, you have to face it.

Spicer! Here!

First up is restaurant manager Spicer.

Yeah, I have a huge amount of respect for the special forces.

My father was a commander in the Navy.

I think I'm one to look out for in the competition.

OK, stop for me here for a second.

-You feeling confident?

-Yes, sir.

-You want to point to anywhere where you're afraid?

-I'm not afraid, sir.

You're not afraid?

We're going to see here

and we're going to see for the next 48 hours if you're not.

-Understood.

-Get set.

Lean back. Down you go.

But this is no ordinary abseil.

Sonny has a nasty surprise in store for them at 40 feet above the ground.

Our recruits know they'll have to jump when they're halfway down

the cliff - but what Sonny hasn't told them is that when they do,

the rope will be released, forcing them into a sudden freefall.

-..your hands leave your head. Do you understand, Spicer?

-Yes, sir.

During Spetsnaz training, recruits are forced to face fear unexpectedly.

The real test here is whether they can control their fear

and keep their hands on their helmet.

Go!

He was full of shit. He was scared. All the way down.

It was kind of visible with his buttocks shaking as he was

walking down here towards the rope.

He was very quick to point out that he had no fears.

We obviously found one. I'm pretty sure I'll find some more.

Doran! Here!

He won't find any fear from me. I'm quite looking forward to this phase.

A good opportunity for me

to demonstrate my ability to master my emotions.

Fitness fanatic Doran is an entrepreneur and life coach.

LiveDailys, I want to speak to you about an epidemic which is

sweeping the country and sweeping this rock we call Planet Earth.

I guess I'm a bit of a glamorous version of a Del Boy.

Modern-day Del Boy.

With a better haircut.

So far in the competition, Doran's kept a low profile.

But with only six places on offer in the final,

he's not going to be able to hide from Sonny.

-Afraid of anything in this life?

-No, sir.

-Nothing at all?

-Only fear itself.

-Get on the edge.

Control your speed with the back hand.

Get ready!

Go!

-Take control of the rope.

-It went well.

Cheeky buggers - didn't know they was going to let go of it halfway

but I just thought I'd go with it. Wahey!

It's like a bit of a freefall.

But despite a good jump, Sonny isn't impressed with Doran's attitude.

I'm looking for people to admit their fears.

Don't be a loudmouth, that nothing can kick my ass,

because anybody's ass can be kicked and life will do so.

Bent!

-Watching you.

-OK.

The next recruit isn't quite so cocky...

Get ready.

-Ready.

-Go!

..and manages to keep his nerve...

Proctor!

Go!

..as do some of the others.

-Take control of your body.

-Miller!

Gatenby!

I can't wait to see Gatenby come down. He's going to scream!

Bless him. He's very nervous at the top.

So, you were one of the people that freely admitted

-that you have a fear of heights, right?

-Sir.

Good for you.

-So you've never done anything like this, actually?

-No, sir.

This is going to be your first time, right?

You're nervous and I can see that.

Listen to commands, perform what you're told

-and you're going to be all right.

-Mm-hm.

-How are you feeling now?

-A little better?

-No.

-No? You'll feel better once you get down.

And you're perfectly fine.

As long as you're holding with that right hand, you're fine.

And now slowly look over your shoulder.

Not turning your body - just your head. Start walking down.

Start walking down, controlling your speed with your right hand.

You're fine. Breathe. That's it. Start walking.

You need to be leaning back - that's what controls your structure.

-Your feet keep you steady.

-Fuck!

-Breathe.

-Fuck!

Watch where you step, just like you would in everyday life.

This is just a 90-degree incline of everyday life.

-Gatenby makes it halfway down the cliff.

-Fucker!

But now he's got to jump.

Just like everyone else, he's got no idea he's about to freefall.

-Keep your hands on your helmet.

-Ready.

Go!

Ah, fuck!

Fuck you, fuck you! Whoo!

Right, listen in.

We're going to try it once more. As hard as you can.

-Ready?

-Yep.

Go!

-HE YELLS

-Oh! Fuck!

Very, very afraid. Nevertheless, took a step.

Nothing but respect for him doing that.

-Did you think you'd do it?

-Yeah, I knew I'd do it.

No matter what it is, I'll do anything. I don't care.

There's nothing I won't do.

That might stand you in good stead for later on, then.

-Yeah, we'll soon see.

-Yeah, good luck, mate.

Yeah, I'm buzzing. I'm proper.

I'll do anything but to go back up there and do it again.

You can keep that!

A few of the recruits really nailed that

and Gatenby - you've got to take your hat off to him,

just for making it down the cliff.

Ironically, I think it's the guys who tried to act tough,

like Spicer and Doran, who will be in Sonny's bad books.

And Sonny - he's not the type of bloke you want to mess with.

After seeing how the recruits deal with fear,

Sonny wants to test their mental and psychological strength -

a key attribute for Spetsnaz troops operating behind enemy lines.

I'm looking to engage their other muscle, which is this.

And so far, from what I've seen, it's dormant. It's sleeping.

For the next challenge, the recruits will be split into two teams

and will have to race each other across 4½km of steep,

mountainous terrain, delivering supplies to three checkpoints.

They'll have to use their navigation skills

and at all times remain in military formation.

This is a military exercise.

You are in a hostile territory.

Act accordingly.

On top of their 20kg bergens,

the supplies are made up of two 20 kilo jerrycans and a 15kg rope.

Sonny wants to see that under this kind of pressure,

the recruits remain mentally strong and disciplined.

This is a race.

Get to where you need to get to as quickly as possible.

But that is not the only criteria that I'll be judging.

Each team will set off 15 minutes apart.

First up is the Red Team, made up of Curnyn, Gatenby, Spicer,

Miller and Brassington.

Off you go.

Gatenby, if you be front left.

Although Sonny hasn't told the recruits to elect a leader,

Spicer immediately assumes control.

Ready to move, guys?

Setting off 15 minutes later is the Blue Team,

made up of Murphy, Doran, Bent, Proctor and Parish.

Unlike the Red Team, they don't elect a leader.

We know where we're going

so it's just to get there as quickly as possible, really.

Distribute the load, swap it round equally.

Almost immediately, the Red Team are finding the challenge tough.

-HE SIGHS

-Oh, this pack is heavy.

Real heavy. Jesus!

Only two days ago, the recruits went through

the toughest physical training of their lives.

You know, this is heavy.

The Australian SASR phase of the competition

pushed them way beyond their limits.

With no time to recover, they're in a bad way mentally and physically.

Working at about 20% capacity, I think.

To make matters worse, under Spicer's self-appointed leadership,

the Red Team are struggling to navigate the route.

We just carried on walking, didn't we?

With places in the final at stake,

Spicer's command is having a negative effect on Gatenby.

Shut up and leave me alone for a minute.

-You OK?

-I'm all right.

-What's wrong?

-Nothing.

-Talk to me.

-I'm fine. Nothing.

-What's up?

This isn't the first time he's rubbed his team-mates up the wrong way.

And as a complete team,

we're going to get this fucking Land Rover out. Go!

I think Spicer's probably aggravating the most people at the moment.

Guys, just one last thing with our weapons.

We're going to place them up against our bergens,

obviously muzzle facing up.

There's going to come a point, I think, where somebody's going to be,

like, "Fuck off."

Steve, I'm trying to just maintain that gap.

I swear to you I'm not, Steve.

It's one thing, someone taking charge but if you're taking charge,

people have got to have respect for you and want to listen to you.

Spicer really needs to prove himself to Sonny after the abseil

but I'm not sure he's going about it in the right way.

He's nominated himself as leader but I think he might be best served

just keeping his head down for a while and staying under the radar.

It takes the Red Team 43 minutes to travel just 1km

to the first checkpoint,

where they're allowed to lose five litres of water from the jerrycans.

They're also given new coordinates for checkpoint two.

Your next grid -

2173, 2240.

Keep going, Gatenby. That's it.

Checkpoint two is at the top of a mountain -

a gruelling climb lies ahead of them.

So, 300 metres of ascent over about 1.5km straight up here.

So, er, that's going to be fun.

Meanwhile, morale is much higher in the Blue Team.

Keen to maximise their chances of reaching the final,

they are making better work of the challenge...

No, we have to climb over.

-How you getting on?

-I think we're doing good.

..and despite starting 15 minutes behind the Reds,

are beginning to catch them.

-So, are you confident?

-Er, fairly confident, yeah.

-What does the terrain look like?

-Oh, er, steep as hell.

Right, let's go.

The Red Team continue to make hard work of the challenge

and Spicer is still winding Gatenby up.

-Are you OK?

-With you?

-No, no, no.

-Do you need to switch with Steve?

-No.

-Copy that.

"Copy that!" You dickhead.

Everybody's just in absolute agony.

Dragging a combined weight of 35 kilos up the side of a mountain

is proving too much for Miller.

Miller's shone in the competition so far.

OK, guys. Listen in.

I want crews one and two to create their tents over on that side.

She impressed as leader on day one,

and has shown she has grit and determination ever since.

Miller.

Outstanding. Probably one of the toughest females I've ever seen.

The pack doesn't fit me quite so easily.

But, nine days in, Miller's weaknesses are finally being exposed.

I just get frustrated that I can't carry as much weight as some people.

I guess I weigh a lot less than them.

So...

That pack with water in is 35 kilos

and I weigh 55 kilos,

so as a percentage body weight, that's pretty substantial, I guess.

But Miller isn't giving up quite yet.

-Hold it, hold it, hold it.

-Yeah.

One, two, three.

SHE GROANS

-OK.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

The Red Team finally reach checkpoint two

and off-load another five litres of water.

But Spicer employs a dangerous strategy with Sonny

and isn't straight with him about the team's morale.

-Did you deliver water to the first point?

-We did, sir, yes.

-How is your crew doing?

-They're remaining strong.

We're a tough bunch and the morale's up, keeping each other strong

and putting ourselves up the mountain.

-It was a great effort.

-OK.

-Are you not fucked?

-Yeah, I'm fucked.

But Spicer can't hide the fact that the Blue Team have nearly

caught up with them.

They make it to checkpoint two

before the Red Team have had a chance to move out.

Red Team, move up to the right.

We've just got to the top and caught up with the other team

and they set off 15 minutes before us, which is just brilliant.

The Red Team need to move out fast but, once again,

the heavy weight is causing problems for Miller.

Lads, please, can you help?

Please.

-Are you OK? You OK?

-Yeah.

We just need to help each other, please.

Grazed elbow.

Are you OK?

-No injuries, Miller?

-Sorry?

-No injuries?

-No, no injuries.

-I just had a grazed elbow. I just landed on it.

-OK.

With Sonny judging every move the recruits make, Miller will

have to up her game to stand a chance of making it through to the final.

I just made a tit of myself in front of the drill sergeant

by falling over straight in front of him.

I just...

I'm getting a bit frustrated with myself for...

like, just not being able to carry enough.

-Do you want to do that?

-Yep, I'll do that.

As the Blue Team decant five litres of water at checkpoint two,

Proctor is caught short and needs to relieve himself.

But in doing so, he hastily leaves his rifle unattended -

one of the worst things a soldier can do.

People lost focus. People left their weapons unattended.

Now they are missing one rifle.

We're going to have to resolve this

because this is an unforgivable mistake.

Physically, Proctor has excelled in the competition.

Down. Lift.

But yesterday, his mental strength was put into doubt

when he started to lose it after only three hours' sleep.

Keep eyeballs on me, cos if I get snatched,

you're going to have to sort this out.

His lapse in concentration today has left Sonny deeply unimpressed.

I believe you're missing something, aren't you?

That's probably mine, sir.

In what environment, ever, do you leave weapons unattended?

Never.

This rifle was left unattended for over five minutes.

There is no excuse for it, unless you're fucking dead.

Pick up your rifle, soldier.

You get your rifle back but you also get your five litres back.

Put your shit back together. Move on.

Proctor's mistake has not only delayed the Blue Team

but means they now have to carry a heavy load

down to the last checkpoint, which is over an hour's walk away.

Is this the right way?

Although the final stretch is downhill,

it's proving the hardest for one of the recruits.

My feet right now are killing me. Not going to lie.

They're absolutely killing me.

Over the last eight days, Murphy has been a solid member of the team.

But during a race with the weighted bergens three days ago,

Murphy injured her feet.

The bottom of my heel is the worst.

I think it's just the constant pounding with the extra weight.

I think I'm pretty tough compared to the normal person.

I can put up with a lot. I push myself to the extreme.

-Do you know how far we are from our next checkpoint?

-Not very far.

Not very far?

-How are the feet, Murphy?

-Oh, terrible.

The weight she is carrying, and the distance being covered,

is putting increased strain on her feet and aggravating the injury.

Yeah, my feet are really bad at the minute.

It's just every time I put my foot down.

But she's determined to not let it get the better of her.

-Harries, are you all right with that?

-Yeah, I'm good.

Battered and exhausted,

the Red Team have made it down to the final checkpoint.

Despite Murphy's injury and the heavier load,

the Blue Team arrive just a few minutes behind.

The Red Team, 4 hours 24 minutes, 9 seconds.

Blue Team, 4 hours 15 minutes.

If I was going by the time, the Blue Team would have an advantage.

Unfortunately for the Blue Team we had...a certain incident

which is negligence with your firearm.

As a result of that, Red Team, you are going to stay with me

and in the good old and very respected Russian tradition,

we're going to drink some vodka because you are the winners.

Blue Team, move out.

Through the gate.

Keep marching all the way through.

Na zdorovje!

-ALL:

-Na zdorovje.

I was just doing shots of vodka with a Russian Spetsnaz soldier.

Today is a good day.

But Proctor and Doran aren't happy with Sonny's decision.

-We fucking nailed that task.

-Don't let that sod get to you.

It's not about winning it either,

but to lose to a team that lost anyway, what is that about?!

How can you lose a task that you get right?

-Teamwork.

-We'll win.

-We will.

Ultimately it is my error - it was my gun that was on the floor,

it was my gun that was taken, I accept that completely

but it was the method and manner in which it was taken.

It's no skin off my nose.

I don't drink vodka.

With only six of the ten recruits going through to the final,

any weakness they show can put them at risk,

a fact that is weighing heavily on Miller's mind.

I feel pretty low this evening, actually,

I think, for the first time.

It just felt like everything was a struggle.

I felt like I was letting the team down

because I just want to be able to carry more like the big guys.

Um, yeah. I feel a bit low this evening.

SHE SIGHS

They're so sore from that, that was like four hours of nonstop

carrying heavy weight, walking up and down.

Um...

With her feet injured, Murphy is also worried about her

place in the competition.

To do another one of that sort of activity,

I don't know if I'll be able to at the minute

because they need time to recover

and they're just not getting any time to recover.

It's the end of the first day.

With only six places available in the final,

there's a lot of people with a point to prove.

Can they turn it around in the next 24 hours?

Oh.

I know...

-Oh.

-Oh, mate.

They're just so painful.

Sonny has allowed the ten recruits to have a last dinner together.

I'll go and get a coffee.

-Here's to getting this far.

-ALL:

-Cheers!

By this time tomorrow, there'll only be six of them left.

-ALL:

-# It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart... #

After nine days enduring hell together, they are a tight-knit

group but Spicer's still on the outside, an individual.

He's not here for the team and I think it sticks out.

He wants to win. I think everyone else has come to the

realisation that you can't do this on your own.

You could never go through this as an individual, you'd be screwed.

OK, guys, lights out, 22:30.

It's like there's a pain from my back through to my chest

when you lie flat because you're

so used to being folded over, masses of weight on us.

I just don't want to carry that bergen ever again.

After another brutal day of challenges,

the recruits bed down for their full night's sleep.

However, after only three hours' sleep, Sonny wakes

them from their dreams in order for them to face a true nightmare.

SHOUTS RUSSIAN

No shoes, parade ground, one minute.

The recruits will be subjected to a gruelling and unpleasant test.

To find out if they have got the mental and psychological

strength needed to cope with the misery and horror of war.

Some of you may think you know what hell looks like.

You have no fucking idea.

In Spetsnaz, war combat do not offer comforts.

We are here to pull our contestants out of the comfort zone.

Can they accept what needs to be done,

and do it without overthinking it?

I'm looking for attitude, I'm looking for coolness,

I am looking for determination.

Blind position.

First of all, Sonny orders the recruits to assume

an uncomfortable stress position.

You are fortunate because you are on a soft surface.

This should not be done on a soft surface.

For Sonny, this test is more about willpower and physical strength.

In stress positions some of the people will allow their mind to

give up before their body gives up. I'll see it.

Keep your spine straight.

I want to see how Spicer will react to things,

I want to see how Proctor will react to things.

I want to see Doran.

Their reactions tonight may make them or break them.

After four minutes, Proctor is the first to break.

Many who consider themselves

as fearless talked-up shit,

yet most will give up here before their bodies give up.

After five minutes, Doran has crumbled.

That is comfort.

Comfort kills.

Most of your heads are weak

and your heads will give up before your bodies will.

Spicer manages to hold the position for over eight minutes, as do

the female recruits, Miller and Murphy.

Stand up.

Three steps forward.

But the misery has only just begun.

This.

This is some fillet,

some guts,

unpleasant substances.

Sonny's two blood baths contain a mass of foul-smelling animal organs.

Exposing recruits to blood and guts is standard Spetsnaz practice

since operatives are expected to kill at close quarters in the field.

You need to accept the reality that there will be certain

very unpleasant things that you will have to deal with

and remain stable, able to function and complete the mission.

Sonny will be looking for even the smallest sign of weakness.

The only way the recruits will be able to impress him

is to embrace the gore without hesitation and show no emotion.

You.

You.

Take a bath.

Get out of the filth, go take a shower, change clothes.

Get out, go shower.

This stuff absolutely honks. I mean... Oh.

Oh!

Keen to impress Sonny, Spicer doesn't want the fact that he's

a vegan to get in the way of the challenge.

I choose not to eat meat, I am a vegan.

Getting in the bath was horrible.

But the mindset I have right now to ensure that I do whatever it

takes is not a problem so I stepped in, sucked it up and sat down.

Get out.

Shower, bed.

I'm here to prove to Sonny that I'm worthy for selection.

Put your hands in there.

Would you sleep in something like that for an hour?

-Would you?

-Are you asking me to, sir?

Good answer.

Get out. Get clean.

He doesn't scare me.

None of this scares me.

At 5am, the recruits are finally allowed to go back to sleep.

I proved too Sonny I am worthy for selection.

No-one is out of the danger zone by any means.

Morning, then. Let's get up.

Get your tent sorted out, get your kit all packed up.

It's 6.30am and the recruits have had yet another poor night's sleep.

I think just being asleep, awake, asleep, awake, asleep, awake...

..we're just walking zombies right now.

But one recruit thinks the lack of sleep will give him an advantage.

I love all that sleep deprivation stuff.

I really do. And I feel good today.

The recruits have got just one day left to prove they deserve

a place in the final, but they are fearful of what Sonny has planned.

Learning not to think, cos if we think,

they pick up on our mind waves

and then make it completely weird and fucked up.

What I'm expecting is not what it's going to be.

It's going to be something completely...

It's going to come at me, really, from right over here,

completely left-field.

Let's get outside and get fell in.

The mental and psychological intensity of the next challenge

will be like nothing the recruits have ever faced before.

DOG GROWLS

Sonny wants to simulate the panic, terror and sheer hell of war.

This challenge will pretty much crystallise my decision

and unless there are major surprises in our final...

Do you expect any major surprises?

Never say never, never say always -

-there's only two rules in warfare.

-Yeah.

Place it over your eyes and tie it at the back, OK?

The recruits are divided into two groups.

No talking.

The first group is blindfolded and taken to an undisclosed location.

Members of the Russian special forces

are expected to be able to function at the highest level

under the challenging psychological conditions of conflict.

The recruits are now sleep-deprived and disorientated.

Now Sonny wants to test their ability to perform multiple tasks

under severe duress.

DOG WHINES

DOG YELPS

Your next task is this...

all of you

have a gunshot wound, 7.62 x 39 calibre,

to your right upper thigh.

There is severe arterial bleeding.

You will be given in your right hand supplies needed to save yourself.

The recruits will have five minutes

to apply a combat dressing to the wound,

close to the amount of time it would take to die

if the major artery in the thigh was severed.

To make things harder, the dressing and the hands are covered

in a thick, sticky, slimy liquid to replicate blood.

Go!

DOGS BARK

It's not the only thing they need to do.

While being barked at by loud, aggressive dogs,

they'll also be played an audio message

giving detailed instructions about a mission.

To be successful, the recruits will have to correctly apply the bandage

to stop the bleeding and remember the details from the audio message.

MESSAGE DROWNED OUT BY DOGS BARKING

You are bleeding!

You are dying!

-AUDIO MESSAGE:

-'..arriving at 10:15 hours.'

What is your problem?

'Intelligence have confirmed the enemy are resupplying

'with 120 bullets and two grenades.'

You are going into irreversible shock!

'..be ready for further tasking

'in the Bickley area from 17:00 hours

'approaching from the south.'

Stop! Raise your hands!

Drop everything! Raise your hand!

Put your hands down. Do not touch your dressing.

-Miller.

-Yes, sir.

-Walk with me.

-OK, sir.

Miller really struggled during the resupply challenge yesterday

and is now under real pressure on how to impress Sonny

and make it to the final.

-You're a doc, right?

-Yes, sir.

-Where is your right upper thigh.

-Here, sir.

As a doctor, assess to me what you have done.

I have applied an inadequate dressing too low down on my thigh.

-As a doctor, as a medical professional...

-Yes, sir.

..if you had to assess this patient, what's the outcome?

Probably death, sir.

What else have you heard happening?

There was noises going on in the background, there was dogs.

There was a female voice at some point doing a voiceover,

speaking about things such as flight times

and weaponry.

They were not just words.

That was intelligence.

-I have three questions for you, Miller.

-Yes, sir.

What time did the enemy retreat from Bickley?

I'm not sure, sir.

Question two.

How many bullets is the enemy resupplying with?

I think perhaps 70, but I'm not sure, sir.

Question three.

What time will the enemy be ready for further tasking in Bickley?

I'm not sure, sir.

-Go take a seat.

-Thank you, sir.

Obviously, I didn't answer the questions correctly,

so it didn't go optimally and I died,

so overall, I don't think it went that well.

Spicer.

Spicer's place in the competition is also in doubt

after his inconsistent performance yesterday,

but unfortunately, he's failed to apply the dressing to his leg.

-Stand. I'm standing, you're standing.

-Yes, sir.

At ease.

Relax.

So how did we do, Spicer?

I didn't apply the bandage quick enough, sir.

-What is the outcome of that?

-I would have bled to death.

You would have bled to death.

Congratulations, you're number two who died.

-Go take a seat.

-Thank you.

-It's impressive.

-Yes.

-How did we do?

I got it on. It's quite tight.

The good news for you is, so far,

you are the first one that put it on the right spot

and it's tight enough.

So I'm going to declare you half-dead.

-Oh, that's good.

-Fair enough?

-Yeah.

-Happy with that.

-Cool.

Half-alive. All the others died, so that's got to be a bonus.

It's just I have no information with where to go now,

because I wasn't listening to the lady on the tannoy.

Brassington may have correctly applied the combat dressing,

but none of the recruits in the first group

heard any of the details of the mission.

The second group of recruits are now put to the test.

Go!

DOGS BARK

You are bleeding!

Once again, the slippery liquid

is causing the recruits all sorts of problems.

You are bleeding heavy!

You don't have much time left!

-AUDIO MESSAGE PLAYS

-You're going into shock!

Tick-tock!

'..from 17:00 hours...'

In order to get the dressing on more quickly,

Proctor tries a novel approach.

Everyone manages to at least get the dressing on their leg...

Stop!

-Raise your hand.

-..except for Parrish,

who hasn't even managed to get it out of the packet.

Stay where you are.

Currently on Sonny's watch list,

Proctor needs to do well in this challenge.

What's the reason for you lying down?

I lay down to try and elevate the wound.

Elevating your leg wouldn't change a lot.

-No.

-What did you hear?

I heard music and the radio and dogs barking.

Music? Do you remember what kind of music it was?

It was something about coordinates.

Go back.

Proctor fails the task, but is still defiant.

The task was to try and save your own life

whilst there's distractions around you

and I think I achieved that objective

and although apparently I died, at least I did all I could

before I died.

After showing arrogance in the abseil,

Doran is under pressure to impress Sonny, but he has also done badly.

I could easily congratulate you on being dead.

Yes, sir.

Last to face Sonny is Parrish,

but he wasn't even able to get the dressing out of its packet.

I just became fixated on the one goal,

just getting the wrapper off.

And where did it get you?

It got me nowhere, because I didn't get it out the wrapper.

You're dead.

-I'm dead, yeah.

-Congratulations.

Thank you.

Not one member of the recruits managed to remember

any of the details on the audio message.

The time is ticking.

The time is ticking.

The moment of truth is getting closer, OK?

Get in the vehicle and get out of here.

Doran and Proctor had a point to prove this morning,

but with everyone failing this challenge,

it's all on the final test.

No pressure, then, lads.

The ten remaining recruits are being taken to a new location,

where they will face Sonny for the last time

to try and secure one of the six places in the final.

After two days of being put through challenges that have tested

their ability to deal with the psychological pressures of war,

Sonny wants to see that they still have the raw physical prowess

to be able to operate at the highest level in the field.

Right turn.

He wants them to race each other

around a fearsome 2km obstacle course.

This is the last event of your two days with me

and the only event that is an actual race.

The red arrow will direct you where you need to go.

When there is a task to be done,

there will be people that will tell you what needs to be done.

This is going to be your start line.

This is where you're going to finish.

If I see an effort that is less than 100%...

..that's the end of you.

Just got to get this one right.

Get this one right, you're going through,

get this one wrong, you're going home.

To fall short on the final hurdle would be horrible.

It would be really, really nice to see it out.

I'd really like to be there, but so would everyone else,

so it's going to be gutting whoever goes, actually.

I want to be in that last six.

Line up facing that direction.

If I see physical contact, tripping, you get kicked and you're out.

Go!

Brassington has a strong track record in this type of challenge

and immediately pulls out in front...

..while Parrish, the oldest recruit left by 14 years,

falls far behind.

Spetsnaz troops undergo rigorous physical training,

which includes endurance swimming

as well as running for speed and distance.

The recruits have to dive under the log without touching it.

Under! Go! What are you waiting for?!

There is no repeat button after this.

After ten minutes, race leader Brassington is on the final stretch.

But Sonny has a surprise in store.

Brassington, everything you did, repeat one more time.

One more circle.

One more time, one more circle.

As Brassington hits the river for a second time,

Parrish has only just reached Sonny.

He may not finish.

Brassington is now halfway through the second lap of the course,

but Sonny has planted one more surprise.

I'm not grabbing it for you!

-Hold it in your arms.

-BREATHLESSLY:

-Yeah.

For the last kilometre, the recruits have to carry a strapless bergen

weighing 20kg.

It's taken its toll on everyone,

but particularly Miller,

who is once again struggling with a weight-carrying challenge.

Brassington, you've finished. Drop your stuff there.

-Brassington crosses the finish line in 30 minutes.

-Recover.

I won that one, so yeah, good news.

A bit demoralising once you've done one loop and he says...

-IMITATING SONNY'S ACCENT:

-..Brassington, you go round again.

Recover.

Coming in second is Bent,

closely followed by Proctor.

Spicer, Doran and Curnyn

cross the line in fourth, fifth and sixth position.

50 seconds later, fighting for seventh and eighth place,

it's the two female recruits.

Murphy just pips Miller to the post.

Recover.

I'm pretty worried that's probably me done, actually.

I think if I'd have...

if I'd have just held off Murphy, I'd be safe,

but as it stands, I think I'm probably out.

45 minutes into the race and all the recruits have made it.

All except one.

-How would you like to end?

-Finishing.

Just finish this and then go.

Fingers...

With dignity.

-Parrish!

-Come on, Parrish!

Come on!

Come on, Parrish!

Come on! All the way!

Go on, Paul!

THEY SHOUT ENCOURAGEMENT

THEY WHOOP

This is it.

I've seen everything I need to see.

I'll tell you what I've seen and my decision

on the parade ground.

After 48 hours with a veteran of the Russian Spetsnaz,

most of our recruits are now worried about their place in the final.

Only six can go through, which means four are about to be sent home

in our final parade.

Particularly vulnerable are Miller and Murphy,

for struggling physically during the resupply challenge...

..Doran for being too cocky during the abseil...

-Afraid of anything in this life?

-No, sir.

-Nothing at all?

-Only fear itself.

Get on the edge.

..Spicer for being dishonest with Sonny about his team's morale...

We're a tough bunch and the morale is up.

..Proctor for not taking full responsibility

for leaving his gun unattended

and Parrish for finishing last in the obstacle race.

But everyone is at risk of potentially being sent home tonight.

Six of you will continue.

Not an easy choice by any stretch of the imagination.

Yet a choice had to be made.

As a human,

maybe it would have been different.

I had to look at it as a soldier.

The first person I'm going to have to let go...

..is, uh,

from a human standpoint, it's kind of maybe close,

but I don't have access to a time machine

and, Mr Parrish,

if I could remove ten years from what you have...

..we would do things together.

But you have to go.

You did your best.

Please leave camp.

I was always hanging on by my fingertips.

I think it's fair to say I was punching

way above my weight in some ways.

It's been so tough

and I haven't given up and I'm proud of myself for not giving up.

I hope I take that from this whole experience -

to be proud, cos it's not a bad thing.

The second person I'm going to have to let go...

..lack of consistency, motivation that comes from wrong sources,

regardless of how well you perform,

does not give me material to work with.

Mr Doran...

..please leave camp.

I saw that coming, I anticipated it.

He said throughout that he was trying to elicit

a statement from me that I have fears and what my fears are.

I'm not going to say something that I don't believe to be true.

Consistency is not only performance.

Consistency also has to exist

between what you say and what you do.

You should have realised early on

that people that came here to help you along this path

are not easy to impress.

Instead of telling them what you can do, may do, or will do,

let your work speak for you.

When I see inconsistency between words and performance,

the risk that I would take

with such an individual is too high for me to consider in this field.

Mr Spicer...

please leave camp.

Obviously very disappointed.

Happy I got through the ten days,

but disappointed I couldn't make it to the last six.

In this field,

if you don't have...

..ability to admit to yourself

that your failures are your responsibility...

..that is not the quality

I could deal with in moulding a special operations operator.

Mr Proctor, please leave camp.

Who can say they've had special forces staff supporting them

and developing them as an individual?

They've helped me find an extra gear inside myself

to push myself further.

A part of me feels I've let them down,

but then, ultimately,

I suppose a lot of people will maybe be amazed by how far I've got.

I personally am.

It's just hard to take,

being the last man to be voted out for the final.

You're not done.

Welcome to your final phase.

Vsego nailuchshego.

THEY LAUGH

I can't believe it. Super happy to get through.

Oh, man!

Yeah!

This is our strongman now.

I'm feeling really good right now. We've just eaten dinner,

found out we've all got through to the final.

I can't see you ever giving up...

I won't, I'd die before I will.

I ran until I was sick, I swam until I was choking,

I just gave it 100%, I couldn't have physically done any more.

I want to be here at the end.

This is my aim, I think I said at the beginning,

to get to the final stage and I'm uber-mega-chuffed,

er,

to still be here.

So that's it, the time with Sonny's over.

He's made some tough decisions and I'll be honest with you,

quite surprising as well.

But now it's down to six

and they've got it all to play for in the final.

-Next time...

-Go!

-..it's the final.

Our six remaining recruits will be put through their paces

by a former operative of the British SAS.

Your selection starts from now.

Their endurance will be tested to the limit...

Never pushed myself that hard in my life.

-..hunted down over the Brecon Beacons...

-Get out, get out!

..they will come face-to-face...

You're in play.

..with training methods...

-STAND UP!

-..from the most elite special force in the world...

Are you slow?!

..and where only one of them will be crowned winner.

We might have made it to the final, but still,

we're little shits in his eyes.