SAS: Who Dares Wins is toughest show on telly – but terrifying challenges aren’t hardest part, reveals ex-DS Jay Morton

IT'S widely regarded as the toughest and most intense reality show on British television.

And while the physical and mental demands of the fear-inducing challenges on SAS: Who Dares Wins aren't for the faint-hearted, it's actually the overlooked elements of the programme that cause contestants the most problems.

Jay Morton, a former directing staff on the programme and a producer plant in a civilian edition of the show, is the only person who really knows that it's like to be on both sides of the experience.

In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Jay, 39, explained what he found to be the true test of the recruits' mettle.

"The show is hard; it's not easy," he said. "Even me being ex-special forces and having done a lot of the things the recruits go through; it's still a very difficult situation to be in.

"What you don't see or appreciate when you watch the TV is the more difficult things about the show: they don't get fed well, the fact their sleep's disturbed, the fact they're constantly on edge because they don't know if a DS is going to walk through that door and give them the next task or take them outside for a beasting.

"These are the nuances you don't actually appreciate when you're sat on the sofa watching that show. They're actually the things that make that show difficult, the stresses the DS are able to put the recruits under."

We recently reported that the original civilian strand of the show is being rested in favour of the celebrity version, which will now boast a bigger budget.

Though he rarely watches TV anymore, Jay remains balanced on the move and wishes his former colleagues well.

He said: "I'm sure the producers have got their reasons. I personally don't know what they are. I don't watch the show anymore, but it's a good show and I wish all the lads the best."

These days, Jay keeps himself busy leading mountain expeditions in the Himalayas and around the world, recently returning from Mt Everest.

He enjoys the responsibility of helping amateur climbers, who often shell out large sums of money, achieve their dreams and bucket list goals.

"I enjoy the fact I can be someone's safety," he said. "I can manage them and make sure they're not getting sick or they're doing the right thing. I enjoy that responsibility."