Former England cricketer Graeme Swann was compelled to leave the Channel 4 show Celebrity SAS following a worrying medical assessment by the show’s chief doctor.
At 46, Swann became the eighth recruit to exit the grueling course, joining the ranks after Ryan Moloney’s withdrawal due to mental health challenges. The turning point came when Chief Medical Officer Dr. Laura examined Swann’s arm, initially addressing a chronic elbow issue stemming from his cricketing days.
During the evaluation, Dr. Laura noticed a severe loss of sensation along Swann’s ulnar nerve and a diminished ability to grasp objects. Concern evident in her voice, she told him, “You can’t really feel that nerve down the side of your arm at all, and you can’t grasp anymore. I’m worried. I’m going to speak to the directing staff.”
READ MORE: Snow Bomb Set to Strike England Next Week, Impacting 17 Counties
READ MORE: UK Braces for Over 20 Inches of Snow Next Week as Temperatures Plunge
Reflecting on his cricket career, Swann shared candidly, “I had a career that I never would have believed I was capable of; that’s a part of my life that’s gone. Maybe I am still desperately trying to find that fix.”
Shortly after, Chief Instructor Billy Billingham informed Swann of the medical decision. “Listen mate, you’ve f****** done great,” he said sympathetically. “It’s a personal journey for everybody. Based on the doctors’ advice, I’m officially taking you off with a medical withdrawal.”
Overcome with emotion, Swann wiped away tears as his armband was removed, marking his official exit from the challenge. He poignantly remarked, “If your body breaks and you can’t do it, everything died in that moment.”