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?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'
Bad Sisters returns for a second series with the Garvey siblings in the spotlight again after the dismembered body of JP's father turns up
'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'
Interior Design Masters host Alan Carr chats about meeting Pudsey Bear, Simon Cowell's toilet paper and his own dubious home purchases
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
E-cigarettes have never been more popular, but vaping isn't as risk-free as people might think it is
Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too
Carly Gregg fired her mum's gun as she searched her bedroom for drugs
'I took one huge gasp and ran in'
Lifesaver Emily Greenwood tells new how she rescued two people swept out to sea
'Clair's married to the biggest fool'
James and Clair Buckley on having fun at home and their hilarious new podcast
Louise set for best year yet
As loved-up pop star Louise Redknapp celebrates her 50th birthday, a source tells new that marriage 'could be on the cards'
'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'
Jamie Borthwick reveals how he juggles filming for EastEnders alongside long rehearsal days on Strictly
It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'
Reality star Molly Smith on manifesting her new lingerie campaign and setting up home with boyfriend Tom Clare
Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'
After her turbulent split from James Haskell, Chloe Madeley is learning to love herself again, a source tells new