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SAS Australia: Schapelle Corby, Nick Cummins, Sabrina Frederick and Roxy Jacenko star in new Seven show

Headshot of Sarah Steger
Sarah StegerThe West Australian
VideoFive Aussie stars will undergo the SAS selection process in the tough new reality show.

Fans have smashed Roxy Jacenko for her “hilarious” effort in tonight’s SAS Australia debut, calling out the PR queen’s quick exit from the show just over an hour into the two-week reality TV sensation.

“Roxy Jacenko using the words 'grit' and 'determination' to describe her effort was hilarious,” Twitter user @Chrisfallen said.

Another tweet called out Jacenko’s departure from the show before the end of the first episode.

“Roxy is like “I don’t want to give up”.... then gives up,” @teanutts said, while @hellojamesweir wrote: “Annnnnd approximately 90 minutes into the two week challenge, Roxy quits and races off faster than that jogger who kept crapping in her driveway”.

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Some viewers were quick to call out the controversial boxing mismatch between rugby player Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins and female footy player Sabrina Frederick.

@BucketoB tweeted: “Honey Badger goes on #SASAustralia to “redeem himself”... has to punch a black gay woman in the face. Classic”.

User @thelifeofnadss slammed the decision, saying “Okay so imma have to stop watching after I just saw a white man box a black woman...ummmm whose idea was that?”.

But @anniefitness praised WA-raised Frederick’s “bold” move to choose Cummins.

VideoNick Cummins fights AFLW star on SAS Australia.

“#14 much respect for picking the biggest guy to fight. Gutsy,” she said.

She wasn’t alone in her praise, with @nonsensiblekate declaring she had “so much respect for Sabrina”.

@DrSamHay said: “The boxing in #SASaustralia was brutal. But it has its place”.

“It’s meant for you to learn when to internalise and externalise aggression. Turn it on. Turn it off. Focus. When fighting for our country we don’t always get to choose who we fight against,” they added.

But @megsypascoe disagreed, saying: “I don’t like the fighting. Sure the physical tests are fine but the fighting is awkward and wrong. Is it just me?”.

@gyp_hip pointed out the irony behind some of the celebrities’ role reversals, saying “Shapelle started with nil credibility and has gained more. Roxy apparently had credibility, according to herself and now has nil credibility”.

Among those who joined in the online lashing was @P_Johnson9, who said “Roxy, the person who has “never” failed lasts half a day. Outlasted by comedians and Miss Universe contestants”.

Roxy Jacenko voluntary withdraws from SAS Australia.
Camera IconRoxy Jacenko voluntary withdraws from SAS Australia. Credit: NIGEL WRIGHT

But despite the abuse copped by some of the contestants, there was little else but praise and applause for the reality juggernaut.

“This show is exactly what I needed in an otherwise awful year. Cracker,” @innphil00 wrote.

@Tweety_202 wrote: “#SASAustralia is SO intense. Hadn’t intended watching, but HOOKED! So well produced”, while words failed @SydGirlOz, who could only manage: “Wow” in her review of the first episode.

Twitter user @SstephenTT proclaimed Channel 7 had “found their hit show”.

“This is brutal but good show to watch,” they added.“#SASAustralia Finally!! Some decent television without all the usual crap! Well done guys!”, wrote “@Ozzyhell, while @eripoll10 said it was the “Best show of 2020 hands down and it’s only day 1!”.

“Can’t wait for more & thank you for making it & those ex special forces who did the show, thanks for showing us a glimpse of what your time as a #SAS was like. Much respect to you men!,” she added.

The celebrities line up on SAS Australia.
Camera IconThe celebrities line up on SAS Australia. Credit: NIGEL WRIGHT

@mmosley93 said: “@Channel7 I’ve gotta hand it to you, this is some solid content”.

Notorious convicted drug smuggler Schapelle Corby, otherwise known as Number 9, seemed to win over her haters, with messages of support flooding social media in the lead up to and during the episode.

“I am so here for Schapelle Corby on #SASAustralia,” @NicksaCarr wrote.

@DanMBennett said: “This discussion with Schapelle is compelling television. Better than any interview she’s ever given. Better questions than she’s ever been asked” — referencing the intense tactical questioning she was subjected to. upon her arrival at the secret base in the Snowy Mountains.

Another Twitter user, @jojoeyjo9, conceded they were now a fan: “I know a lot of people loathe her/believe she was guilty etc.,but I just feel for Shapelle”.

Schapelle Corby, otherwise known as Number 9, on SAS Australia.
Camera IconSchapelle Corby, otherwise known as Number 9, on SAS Australia. Credit: NIGEL WRIGHT

Some fans marvelled at the punishing conditions the 17 celebrities will be put through as they attempt to conquer physicial and psychological tests from the real SAS selection process.

@emzbows said: “I feel like this is actually the last thing any of these people need for their mental wellbeing”, while @Booey231 admitted “I might’ve cracked after seeing the toilets”.

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