Who is Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins? --[Reported by Umva mag]

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. In the SAS, Billy achieved the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1(WO1) which is the highest rank possibleInstagram/Billingham22b Celebrity SAS first launched in 2019Channel 4 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. Read more in Celebrity SAS OUT OF ACTION Celeb SAS star brands recruit who quit three hours into show ‘disgusting’ tough times Strictly star collapses and is rushed to medics during filming of Celeb SAS MORE THAN BOJO'S SIS Everything you need to know about Boris Johnson's sister Rachel TOUGH TIME Marnie Simpson quit Celeb SAS just 32 mins into show - saying she 'wasn't ready' 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. Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Mark said: “I earned really good money – three times as much as I was earning in the military. I think it was 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.” Instagram/billingham22b 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. Read more in showbiz THE ONE WHERE I was told 'burn in hell' for Friends role but made co-star blush with boob CRINGE 'He's insufferable' rage Strictly fans as they call out 'over-confident' star AWKWARD Eagle-eyed Strictly viewers convinced bosses purposely cutaway from Zara McDermott ROYAL DILEMMA BGT's Sydnie Christmas still has no idea what she’ll sing for Royal Variety thankful Molly Mae says 'I'll never get over it' in emotional message after Maebe launch BECK'S BEACH REDDY Brit model Rebecca Donaldson stuns in racy red bikini for beach shoot 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. Billy’s wife is a fashion designerInstagram/Billingham22b 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.

Sep 22, 2024 - 10:25

Who is Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham MBE on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins? --[Reported by Umva mag]

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.

In the SAS, Billy achieved the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1(WO1) which is the highest rank possible

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.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Mark said: “I earned really good money – three times as much as I was earning in the military. I think it was 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.

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