Ant Middleton breaks silence over new SAS Who Dares Wins line-up after viewers slammed US replacements

ANT Middleton has broken his silence over the new SAS: Who Dares Wins line-up after viewers slammed US replacements.

Channel 4 viewers have insisted that new hardman Rudy Reyes has "ruined" the show and have begged for Ant to return after the new series kicked off on Sunday.

The former US marine is the new chief instructor on the Channel 4 adventure show, which was the role Ant held until March 2021 when he was fired for his "personal conduct". 

Taking to social media, Ant shared a throwback photo alongside his staff Dean Stott and Ollie Ollerton from the Australian series.

One fan commented: "It's sad the Aussies get the best of you mate - your idea ruined sadly here."

Ant replied to the follower expressing his devastation and said he was "gutted" his hard work was down the drain.

He wrote: "I am gutted about that to be fair! All that hard work down the drain, but on a super positive I can continue with my format and my show over in Australia. #everycloud."

He then suggested that the longevity and popularity of the show was always down to one simple ingredient that shouldn't be messed around with.

It comes after several viewers complained about the new format on the UK series.

"There is always one key ingredient within everything! Once you find it, cherish it, protect it and simply adapt around it for longevity and success," Ant wrote.

"Don’t let envy, greed and power lead you to reinventing the wheel.

"You might just get a blow out!

"Here we are on @sasaustralia putting some sugar on our doughnuts �� #loveyouguysreally#tieroneonly."

Newcomer Rudy asserted his authority from the get-go, with his no nonsense attitude and tough demands on the Sunday night's instalment.

But viewers were not impressed with new chief Rudy and were forced to "switch off".

One wrote: "Nooo what have they done to SAS Who Dares Wins?! Had to turn over.#WhoDaresWins"

Another posted: "Rudy the pound shop Ant Middleton....ruining the show. #SAS #WhoDaresWins."

A third said: "Bring back Ant Middleton #SAS."

#SAS #SASWhoDaresWins is absolutely ruined, bring in the Americans has turned it into a drama...sorry," another tweeted.

One fan joked: "Ant Middleton must be sitting and laughing at the new SAS. #WhoDaresWins"

Someone else commented: "SAS isn't the same without Ant Middleton...I'm switching off. #WhoDaresWins"

But other fans were left distracted by the hunky newcomer and were desperate to see more.

One wrote: "Literally can't tear my eyes away Rudy's biceps. #SAS"

"#WhoDaresWins Hello Rudy...he's a real hunk," another cheekily posted.

Rudy exclusively told The Sun that he's been abused by Ant Middleton’s fans — but says it’s nothing compared to the death threats he received when fighting the Taliban. 

Rudy said: “I've heard the negative opinions already. And you know what, I think there's a lot of negative opinions. 

“But I am very curious to hear what people say once they watch the programme. 

“I guess Ant has a big following and you know, if he did his work, and earned that reputation then good on him.

“A matter of fact, I didn't learn what happened with Ant until after they asked me to be chief instructor. And I said why? And then they said they sent me to the stories.”

While he is relatively unknown in the UK, Rudy has appeared on telly before in Generation Kill - where he played himself - and James Blumenthal’s Once Upon a Time in Iraq. 

The challenge show returned with its toughest training course yet, against the backdrop of the Jordanian desert. 

The initial 21 recruits were sent on an intense journey to their base through searing heat in the first episode.

Once they had made it back to safety, their ability to work as a team was tested when they crossed a ravine by balancing on a rope suspended 165 feet above the ground.

They then had to keep their head while being gassed in a chamber.

Watch SAS: Who Dares Wins on Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4.