Mark Billingham, also known as Billy puts the celebrities through their paces as the Chief Instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins.
The hit Channel 4 show will kick off tonight (Tuesday, 26 September) as we watch a string of famous faces take part in the punishing jungle phase of SAS selection. Some of this year's celebrities include former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, singer Gareth Gates, TV personality, Danielle Lloyd and TOWIE star James 'Arg' Argent.
As one of the toughest environments faced by Special Forces operatives, there will be no allowances or exceptions for this year's celebrities as they take on brutal tasks and interrogations while facing face mental and physical limits. Keeping them in check is Chief Instructor, Mark, 57 who served on the frontline of the British Army for over 27 years, 17 of which were spent in the SAS.
Decorated war hero
Mark is a decorated war hero and spent years on the battlefield, having joined the Parachute Regiment in 1983 where he served until 1991. During his time in the regiment, he had a number of positions including Patrol Commander and a training instructor.
He went on to join the SAS in 1991 as a Mountain Troop specialist and became one of the highest ranks in the SAS – Warrant Officer Class 1. During this time he was responsible for planning and executing strategic operations and training at the highest level in various locations including Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa.
The war hero has led countless hostage rescues and as a result, received numerous awards. Including the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and an MBE presented by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
A-list bodyguard
After his time in the SAS, Mark became a bodyguard for A-listers, Tom Cruise, Kate Moss and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, where he earned more than £10,000 a month. Speaking to the Mail on Sunday about this time, he said: "I earned really good money – three times as much as I was earning in the military. I think it was more than £10,000 a month.
"I also did work in the security industry in Iraq after the Gulf War, where I earned a similar amount – £10,000 to £12,000 a month. I did that full-time for about two years and those were the best years, financially, of my life."
Fashion designer wife
Having found fame on SAS: Who Dares Wins, Mark leads a quieter life off-screen with his wife Julie Colombino who is an American fashion designer. The pair tied the knot in March 2019.
Julie has led a hugely successful career, having founded the eco-conscious footwear label, Deux Mains. The former SAS Warrant Officer tends to keep his love life out of the spotlight but sometimes shares a glimpse into his relationship with his 404K Instagram followers.
He even has an Instagram highlight called "Family" where he's spotted spending time with his rarely-seen daughter and his grandchildren, who he refers to as "the tiny troopers".
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