Former SAS hero Mark 'Billy' Billingham's introduction to the world of TV was in Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins and its hugely popular celebrity spin-off.
Although his appearance as one of the instructors and resident 'tough guys' was his small-screen debut, it wasn't Billy's first brush with the rich and famous - in his former life he was a personal bodyguard to A-listers Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Kate Moss. In fact, Billy tells us he and Brad are "still close".
Before his security stint, the 59-year-old began his career in public service by joining the military aged 17. Eventually his heroics earned him the Queen's Commendation for Bravery, as well as an MBE for outstanding service as the SAS ground commander during the 2005 terrorist attacks in London.
Father-of-six Billy splits his time between Florida and the UK. Here, he opens up about his early life-growing up on a council estate in Walsall and joining a street gang at the age of 12. He also reveals what it was like to work with some of the world's biggest film stars, and the advice he once gave to Brad Pitt...
Hi, Billy! You have been on SAS: Who Dares Wins since 2016. What do you think is key to the success of the show?
Esta historia es de la edición July 29, 2024 de New UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 29, 2024 de New UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
To mark the 40th anniversary of Do They Know It's Christmas?, the BBC is airing behind-the-scenes footage of the recording
ALWAYS THE BAD GUY?
After playing evil Joel in Corrie, Calum Lill is treading the boards as a pantomime villain. Oh, yes he is!
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here's how we can help protect ourselves
Jealous cop killed ex-lover's new wife in love triangle murder
DNA evidence from a bite mark on the victim linked an LAPD officer to Sherri Rasmussen's murder
'Every month I would plan my own death due to PMDD'
Shalina Casey, 48, of Hampshire, suffers from the same condition as TV stars Vicky Pattison and Kristina Goodsell. Here, she shares her story
'My dad was the only suspect'
Ahead of a chilling new documentary, Tina Wing's son Daniel speaks to new about finding justice for his mother 32 years after her brutal unsolved murder
Martine praises the pal who hasn't 'picked a side'
After her \"brutal” break-up, Martine McCutcheon enjoys a night out amid fears of losing friends
'Zach and I fell in love completely backwards'
Molly Marsh opens up about life after Love Island, settling down with boyfriend Zach Noble and becoming a pop star
'You should be able to be sensitive'
Professor Green talks feelings, fatherhood and the importance of a good night's sleep
´Coleen won't back out of any challenges'
As Coleen Rooney enters the jungle, good pal Danielle Lloyd tells new how she'll get on
