Who is Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins?
Mark has been a bodyguard for some of Hollywood's biggest names
FANS of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Win will be very familiar with instructor Billy Billingham.
The war hero, who is actually called Mark, is known for his no-nonsense approach and for putting contestants through their paces.
The star joined Celebrity SAS in 2016 as an instructor and quickly became a fan favourite.
But there's more to Billy than meets the eye.
Birmingham beginnings
Billy was born in Walsall, Birmingham, where he went to school before joining up with the army.
He joined the Parachute Regiment in 1983 and served until 1991.
During his time in the regiment, he held an array of positions such as a Patrol Commander and a training instructor.
He then went on to join the SAS and became a warrant officer.
After leaving the SAS Mark was a bodyguard for Tom Cruise, Kate Moss and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
While being a bodyguard Mark earned more than £10,000 a month.
"I also did work in the security industry in Iraq after the Gulf War, where I earned a similar amount – £10,000 to £12,000 a month. I did that full-time for about two years and those were the best years, financially, of my life."
SAS Hero
After passing selection, Billy joined the SAS in 1991 as a Mountain Troop specialist.
He eventually became one of the highest ranks in the SAS - Warrant Officer Class 1.
He has been responsible for planning and executing strategic operations and training at the highest level in numerous locations including Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa.
Mark spent just over 17 of those with the SAS and nine in the Parachute Regiment.
Meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Mark has led countless hostage rescues throughout his long service in the army and in the SAS.
Over that time, he has received numerous awards for his work.
These include the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery and an MBE presented to Billy by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Marrying in style
Mark married Julie Colombino, an American fashion designer, in March 2019.
Julie is the founder of eco-conscious footwear label Deux Mains.
Although the former SAS hero keeps much of his private life out of the public eye, he often shares snaps of him and his wife on his Instagram.