Jennifer Ellison has revealed she suffered a catalogue of injuries from her appearance on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
The gruelling shoot, which took place in Jordan for the latest series, was described as "inhumane" by the former Brookside star (via Daily Star).
"There were times when I worried about dying," she said. "It was the worst pain imaginable."
Related: SAS: Who Dares Wins 2022 winners reveal what the show left out
The actor, also famous for her role in 2004's The Phantom of the Opera, said that she broke two ribs, ruptured her spleen and contracted a lung infection during her time on the show, recalling: "After I jumped from a helicopter, I hit my ribs and then I could feel a pain in my side.
"When I got back to the UK it was getting worse, so I went to A&E. They told me, ‘You've got broken ribs, blood in your lung and a bleeding spleen'. The infection in my lung was really nasty."
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After three days in hospital, the star was given antibiotics in order to avoid surgery, before beginning a lengthy recovery process at home.
"It was really painful for a very long time," said Ellison. "I was sitting in bed laid flat. I couldn't take a deep breath, so I had to blow into a machine."
In spite of her ailments, the actor said she was glad she took part in the Channel 4 series.
"The reward was life-changing. It's really given me a kick up the backside to sort myself out, so it was worth it for me."
Digital Spy has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.
Ellison, who said she now feels like "a new woman", joined Fatima Whitbread, EastEnders’ Maisie Smith and Calum Best in the fourth celebrity special. The latest series sees Rudy Reyes return as the show's Chief Instructor, after he replaced Ant Middleton last year.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins started on Sunday, September 4 on Channel 4.
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Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
