Celebrities have returned to a remote Scottish island for a gruelling TV show.
And they toughened up by swimming in a freezing harbour.
Locals were surprised to see the likes of former Olympic rower James “Crackers” Cracknell take the plunge at Portree in Skye.
An hour later after his dip, it was the turn of former footballer Kieron Dyer and and X Factor singer Jake Quickenden to dive in.
The hardy trio are among the contestants in this year’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Again it is being filmed on the island of Raasay off main Skye.
Included in this year’s celebrity list already is Loose Women panelist Saira Khan, former Love Island star Wes Nelson, legendary TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson and model and actress Vicky Pattison.
She was seen in drenched combats on Saturday on Raasay – as she and other contestants were put through their first trial.
The group are being tested in the military camp run by brutal taskmaster Ant Middleton, and singer Alexandra Burke and telly presenter Ore Oduba are also believed to have joined.
The daring Channel 4 show involves celebrities face gruelling challenges that test both their mental and physical strength in harsh circumstances.
One local on Skye said some of contestants had been in a hotel in Portree since Monday.
“They have been seen out from time to time having a stroll but have kept a low profile. James Cracknell has been swimming and so have some of the others to toughen up for what’s ahead,” he said.
“I guess they were in isolation in the hotel to ensure they’re totally Covid-safe before filming commences.
“It is turning colder now – with snow on the hills – and it will be quite a challenge on Raasay which can be particularly bleak and weather-prone.”
The show is fronted by former British soldier Middleton.
The military-style test of resilience was won last time by Paralympian triathlete Lauren Steadman and Rudimental DJ Locksmith.
Again based on Raasay – and filmed in other parts of the Highlands – they managed to successfully manoeuvre an intense interrogation, outlasting their teammates, including Joey Essex and Helen Skelton.
Previous series have been filmed in different locations all over the world, with contestants on the last overseas series put through their paces in the Andes Mountains.
This year, the celebs are believed to be mainly based at the beautiful old Raasay Home Farm Steading right next to the island’s distillery.
One local said: “The production crew have been about. They have done up an old building for accommodation for the contestants and the interrogation rooms.
“They have hired boats and somebody said they have got a helicopter.”
Despite its modest size, Raasay is one of the most geologically diverse landmasses in the world. The island has a varied landscape from rolling hills, to native forests and secluded beaches.
Previous trainees have been plunged into ice cold water, forced to carry more than their body weight through rough terrain and placed on a rationed diet in order to experience real SAS training.
