John Barrowman, 57, has revealed the real reason he quit Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins after just 32 minutes during the show’s opening episode on Sunday. The former Doctor Who actor was seen vomiting before deciding to withdraw and has since claimed it was due to being “made” to eat “vile tofu” with no other food options provided.
Barrowman, who is neither vegetarian nor vegan, told The Sun, “I would never eat tofu in my life, but you’re so hungry, you just eat it.” His early exit appears to have been influenced by the lack of suitable food choices rather than the physical challenges of the show.
The motion sickness sufferer was then compelled to endure a two-hour car journey for the task, which left him feeling nauseous. He stated, “Then it was projectile vomit everywhere and the tofu came up. I thought, ‘I’m not going to make myself ill or hurt myself in order to try to prove something that I don’t need to prove.'” This experience ultimately contributed to his decision to leave the competition.
John Barrowman expressed, “And it was seriously me going, ‘I am completely comfortable with who I am.’ I’m a happy person. We all have our issues and problems, but I’ve made a mistake.”
Newsafro.com has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
While on the show, Barrowman, who previously faced flashing allegations in 2021 that led to his removal from the Dancing on Ice judging panel, began vomiting shortly after arriving at base camp for the first challenge. After the contestants donned their army uniforms, he started heaving and declared, “I’m out.”
When asked by expert Mark Billingham if he wanted to see a doctor, Barrowman replied, “No, I’m done. I just—it’s not for me. I know who I am and what I’m about; it’s not for me.”
The voiceover noted, “After only 32 minutes on base, number 13, John, is the first recruit to leave the course.”
Viewers expressed little sympathy for the actor on social media, labeling him “pathetic” and a “diva.” Comments included: “Never seen anything more pathetic in my life. I bet you thought this might be a shot at redemption as well. Whoopsie!” and “FFS John Barrowman, I knew you were a diva, didn’t think you were a huge wuss as well; certainly done yourself no favors there.”
“I hope John Barrowman wasn’t paid for that pathetic effort,” one viewer commented, while another expressed disbelief: “Can’t believe John Barrowman quits the only show that was actually willing to give him a job after just 32 minutes. What a prat.”
During the episode, Barrowman addressed allegations that he had repeatedly exposed himself on the set of Doctor Who and its spin-off, Torchwood. He stated, “The press made the allegation that I was going around putting my d**k on everybody’s shoulders. Having that happen to me ruined me, but this course is going to help me push through this, and I want people to see the kind of person that I really am.” He later added, “On Doctor Who and Torchwood, I had to do a lot of nude scenes. If I were being stupid, I would do something stupid.”
Ahead of his SAS appearance, Barrowman shared an awkward clip of himself preparing for the course, revealing he had already “thrown up” due to nerves. He said, “So it is the night before we start the course. I’ve just barfed, and I’m gonna try to get some sleep now. No seriously, I threw up; I think it might have been something I ate, but I feel better. Let’s see how I feel in the morning, so there you go—wish me luck!”
The clip then cut to Barrowman heading into the wilderness to begin the course after handing over his valuables and briefly calling his loved ones. He noted, “I know it’s dark outside and you probably can’t see, but that’s me doing the walk to my valuables. I’ve just spoken to Scott and sent my mom and dad a message to say, send positive vibes. I’m super scared, but it’s good to be scared, isn’t it?”
The latest series of SAS: Who Dares Wins features a diverse lineup, including Rachel Johnson, sister of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson; reality star Pete Wicks; former Olympic gymnast Ellie Downie; comedian Tez Ilyas; professional basketball player and Love Island star Ovie Soko; and world heavyweight champion boxer Lani Daniels.
Also participating are reality TV star Bianca Gascoigne; former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw; TV presenter Cherry Healey; former professional boxer Anthony Ogogo; comedian Shazia Mirza; Love Island contestant Georgia Harrison; reality star Bobby Norris; and former Geordie Shore star Marnie Simpson.
