In episode 1, the theme was Fear. The episode opened up as the new roster of celebs arrived in Vietnam by bus. Each was hooded and wearing ear defenders. In the pouring rain, they were processed by the Directing Staff (DS) before being pushed into a lake and made to swim ashore.

They were then given a beasting before being told to sprint to their barracks. On the parade square the DS gave them a briefing about the course. Each celeb was hosed down then given a number and bergen. Number 4, Michelle Heaton was the first to be punished for smirking and made to hold her bergen above her head. The celebs were then made to strip off and change into their gear before gaining access to their accommodation.

While the celebs got themselves settled, the DS held a quick meeting to discuss first impressions. The first challenge was the trainasium which would test the celebs fear of heights. The celebs had to traverse two parallel bars which were 50 feet above ground. During the challenge they would also have to perform certain actions such as touching their toes.

Number 2, James Argent struggled and was chastised for going too slow and constantly grabbing the rope. He eventually fell off and failed the task. Number 11, Danielle Lloyd found the task really tough but successfully made it to the other side. Most of the other celebs failed before it was the turn of Number 1, Matt Hancock. He started well but went too fast and somersaulted off the bars.

Back at base the rain continued and everything was flooded. The DS held a meeting to discuss the celebs attempts at the trainasium task and found themselves disappointed. They decided to bring Matt in for questioning and he explained he wasn’t doing as well as he’d hoped. He said he was there to push himself and spoke of his time as Health Secretary during the Covid pandemic. Foxy and Chris gave him a proper grilling about his time in the role and told him not to take things personal during his time on the course.

The second challenge for the celebs was milling. A test of extreme violence where they would be put into pairs and tasked with punching each other until told to stop. Number 5, Jermaine Pennant was picked to go up against Number 1, Matt. Jermaine took an early lead with some good shots but Matt had a decent attempt at fighting back. Jermaine was chosen as the winner.

Number 12, Gareth Thomas took on Number 14 Siva Kaneswaran. Gareth started strong but began to tire quickly. Siva fought back but Gareth was victorious. Number 2, James took on Number 6, Perri Shakes-Drayton. She took on the task but James was reluctant to fight back against a woman and lost the bout.

Back at base, the DS brought the celebs out on parade. Number 2, James wasn’t wearing his belt correctly so the other celebs were punished with burpees. James was then told off for fidgeting and was made to watch the celebs do press-ups.

James was then brought in for questioning where he explained his reasons for joining the course. He spoke of his battles with his weight and how he had managed to nearly halve his weight from 27 stone. The DS were unhappy with his attitude during the tasks and gave him a talking to.

In episode 2, the celebs face a punishing search operation through a series of rooms filled with CS gas. Can they work together to locate and escape before being overcome by the brutal effects of the contaminated air?

The celebs’ mindset is also tested under pressure during a rescue mission when they’re tasked with extracting two of their fellow recruits who’ve been taken hostage.

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins season 5 continues at 9:00pm 1st October, 2023 on Channel 4. Preview the second episode with our gallery below:

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The recruits will be given no special allowances by the Directing Staff (DS) – Billy, Foxy, Rudy and Chris.

Meet the Celebrity Recruits

Amber Turner (29) – Reality TV Star said “It was the Hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, the most physically & emotionally demanding experience I’ve ever but the best experience all in one. I loved every moment of it (except having that bag over my head) and wouldn’t think twice about doing it again!”

Danielle Lloyd (39) – TV Personality said “This experience was just life changing. It’s made me positive and ready to take on the world.”

Gareth Gates (38) – Singer said “WOW, this was an experience like no other. I learnt very quickly that there is a difference between being gym fit and battle fit.  I was so looking forward to doing this show, to test myself, to see what courage, grit and determination I really had.  I would encourage anyone who wants one of the ultimate, physical and mental challenges to give this a go.  It was an amazing, brutal, unique experience!”

Gareth Thomas (48) – Ex-Welsh Rugby International said “There’s not many experiences that allow you the opportunity to look inside yourself and see what you’re truly made of. I just knew I had to say yes to this so I could work out who I really am, and it totally lived up to my expectations.”

James “Arg” Argent (35) – Reality TV Star said “It’s the type of show that pushes you to breaking point and it’s something I’ll never forget.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Jermaine Pennant (40) – Ex-Premier League Footballer said “I wanted to push myself to my limits, but you underestimate how brutal it actually is until your body’s going through it!”

Jon-Allan Butterworth MBE (37) – Paralympic Gold Medalist said “My military career was cut short, so I wanted to see whether I have what it takes to survive in a world the DS think is normal.”

Kirsty-Leigh Porter (34) – Actor said “Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins was absolutely brutal but the most AMAZING experience and dare I say it, one I wish I could do again!! And the DS are actual real-life superheroes – the strength they hold is unnatural. They are absolutely amazing!”

Matt Hancock (44) – Former Health Secretary said “Being on SAS was like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. It’s one of the toughest physical and mental things I’ve ever done. It really opens your eyes and makes you look into yourself. After coming through the most challenging period as Health Secretary during the pandemic, I wanted to push my limits. It’s safe to say the course tested my resilience!”

Melinda Messenger (51) – TV Presenter said “It was incredible, the most intensely physically challenging thing I’ve done. I would say it was surreal, but I’d also say it was way harder than it looks on TV!”

Michelle Heaton (43) – Singer said “I loved being on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins because it put me in situations that I would never put myself in normally. It got me to think outside the box. It got me uncomfortable. It’s only then you learn where your real limits are.”

Montana Brown (27) – Reality TV Star said “You don’t get the opportunity to do something this hard in life so I couldn’t say no.  This was the hardest challenge I’ve ever experienced but I proved to myself that I’m actually quite tough and I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Perri Shakes-Drayton (34) – Great British Olympian said “It was an incredible experience from start to finish.  There are so many words I can use to describe it. I loved every minute of it.”

Siva Kaneswaran (34) – Singer said “If you dig being tortured for a few days and being dragged out your comfort zone, then this is the show for you! In a weird way, it was very fulfilling in the sense that you face your fears and you come out of it a new person, a new improved person.”

Teddy Soares (28) – Reality TV Star said “The whole experience was overwhelming, but for me, it was one of the experiences that I will never, ever be able to live down.”

Zoe Lyons (51) – Comedian said “It was the worst ‘all-inclusive break’ I’ve ever been on. There’s a bit of me that feels incredibly fortunate that I got to participate in the show because it does test you, and there’s quite a bit of fun to be had if you don’t mind losing a few toenails!” 

In episode 1, for their first task in the most challenging selection course in the world, the new recruits must traverse the trainasium – parallel metal bars suspended 50 feet above the ground.

Then the recruits must fight against each other in milling, the rawest form of combat. One celebrity learns the importance of being part of a good team, as his failures result in others being punished.

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins season 5 starts at 9:30pm Tuesday 26th September, 2023 on Channel 4. It will then continue every Sunday at 9pm from 1st October. Preview the episode with our gallery below:

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins - series 5 episode 1

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Across an epic seven one-hour episodes, these famous faces will abandon their glamourous lifestyles as they attempt to survive the most unforgiving jungle in the world, in Thung Ui, North Vietnam. No allowances or exceptions will be made for this group of celebrities, who will be tested to their mental and physical limits, through a series of brutal tasks and interrogations.

This year’s SAS: Who Dares Wins celebrity recruits are:

• Amber Turner (29) – Reality TV Star
• Danielle Lloyd (39) – TV Personality
• Gareth Gates (38) – Singer
• Gareth Thomas (48) – Ex-Welsh Rugby International
• James “Arg” Argent (35) – Reality TV Star
• Jermaine Pennant (40) – Ex-Premier League Footballer
• Jon-Allan Butterworth MBE (37) – Paralympic Gold Medalist
• Kirsty-Leigh Porter (34) – Actor
• Matt Hancock (44) – Former Health Secretary
• Melinda Messenger (51) – TV Presenter
• Michelle Heaton (43) – Singer
• Montana Brown (27) – Reality TV Star
• Perri Shakes-Drayton (34) – Great British Olympian
• Siva Kaneswaran (34) – Singer
• Teddy Soares (28) – Reality TV Star
• Zoe Lyons (51) – Comedian

There will be no special treatment for any of the celebrities, as they confront surprising truths about themselves, to discover their true selves. Not everyone will have what it takes to make it to the end of this course run by the elite team of ex-Special Forces operators – Chief Instructor, Billy Billingham MBE and his team of Directing Staff (DS), Foxy (Jason Fox), Rudy Reyes and Chris Oliver. The DS don’t care how famous the recruits are, how many social media followers they have or what they have done before this. As soon as they enter the selection process, their celebrity status and luxuries are stripped away.

By the end of the series, which of the celebrity recruits will remain to discover they have what it takes to pass this unique SAS selection course?

Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins season 5 starts at 9:30pm Tuesday 26th September, 2023 on Channel 4. It will then continue every Sunday at 9pm from 1st October.

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PS Plus games always launch on the first Tuesday of the month which means there’s not long to wait for the new selection. From 6th June PS Plus members can grab free copies of NBA 2K23 (PS5/PS4), Jurassic World Evolution 2 (PS5/PS4) and Trek to Yomi (PS5/PS4).

NBA 2K23 lets you compete as your favorite NBA and WNBA teams and stars and experience the pinnacle of true-to-life gameplay. Prove yourself against the best players in the world and showcase your talent in MyCAREER or The W. Pair today’s All-Stars with timeless legends in MyTEAM. Build a dynasty of your own as a GM or lead the league in a new direction as the Commissioner in MyNBA. PlayStation Plus members also get access to exclusive monthly MyTEAM packs in-game. 

Jurassic World Evolution 2 allows you to avoid the mistakes of the past and build your own Jurassic World for dinosaurs and visitors alike. Immerse yourself in a compelling and original Jurassic World narrative set after the earth-shattering events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Work alongside iconic characters from the films, including Dr. Ian Malcolm (voiced by Jeff Goldblum) and Claire Dearing (voiced by Bryce Dallas Howard) and lead the efforts to control, conserve and contain wild dinosaurs now rampaging across the USA.

Trek to Yomi is an ultra-stylised cinematic action-adventure that follows an enthralling story of Hiroki during his fall against the forces of evil. Experience his heroic return to make good on his failed promise to save the people he swore to protect. As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. Faced with tragedy and bound to duty, the lone samurai must voyage beyond life and death to confront himself and decide his path forward.

EF Games will bring you news of the PlayStation Plus titles for June towards the end of May. Remember to make sure you’ve added these titles to your collection before the new games arrive.

Let us know what you think of the PS Plus games for June well as your wishes for July via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Remember to give us a Follow or a Like while you’re there!

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The sixth batch of Xbox Games with Gold for 2023 are now available with two more titles to add to your Xbox games library. Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S subscribers can download copies of Adios all month. From 16th June – 15th July, The Vale: Shadow of the Crown will also be available.

In Adios, one choice can change everything. You are a pig farmer in Kansas who has finally had enough of your role helping the mob dispose of bodies on your farm. Your hitman friend tries to convince you to change your mind as the two of you go about the errands of the day. He knows what saying no means. This is a meditative thoughtful game that reflects on morality and spirituality with compelling writing and phenomenal voice acting.

In The Vale: Shadow of the Crown get ready to close your eyes and listen. This is one of the most unique adventures you’ll experience that leverages sound and haptic controller feedback in an audio-based adventure. Break down the barriers between you as the player and your character as you feel your enemy’s breath, listen to the crunching of footsteps or the clang of weapons. Combat is intense and very different than other combat and fantasy games.

Don’t forget, you can still add all the games to your Xbox Live account even if you don’t own all the relevant Xbox consoles. Also, even if you own a physical copy of any of the games on offer it’s still well worth grabbing the free digital copies. You could then pass your physical copy on to a friend or trade it in as you will no longer need the disc to play.

EF Games will bring you news of the Games with Gold titles for July towards the end of June. Let us know what you think of the selection this month via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Remember to give us a Follow or a Like while you’re there!

The post Xbox Games with Gold for June 2023 available now appeared first on Entertainment Focus.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor picks up five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, as Cal continues to grow as a Jedi and evade the Empire’s constant pursuit. Alongside his trusty droid sidekick BD-1, Cal must unite familiar friends including Cere Junda (Debra Wilson), Greez Dritus (Daniel Roebuck), Merrin (Tina Ivlev), and join new allies like Bode Akuna (Noshir Dalal) to battle against the Empire and other ruthless factions across the galaxy. Cal must adapt to the threats by learning new Jedi abilities, mastering his lightsaber skills, and finding new ways to navigate the extraordinary planets he will visit on his journey.

Praised by critics worldwide, The Guardian called Star Wars Jedi: Survivor “the best Star Wars game in 20 years” in their 5 out of 5 star review. Inverse’s 9 out of 10 review said it’s “everything you could want from a sequel” and Game Informer’s 9.25 out of 10 review highlighted how the game “captures the magic of Star Wars.”

In IGN’s 9/10 review it was noted that “nothing else convincingly captures playing as a Force user quite as well as this” while Rolling Stone’s review remarked “it’s a reminder that Respawn are still a ‘AAA’ force to be reckoned with, and with Jedi: Survivor, the future of Star Wars games is in good hands.”

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is now available in retail and digital storefronts for the Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC via the EA app, Steam and Epic Games Store for £59.99. Players can also purchase the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Deluxe Edition for £79.99 to unlock exclusive cosmetic items inspired by Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and R2-D2.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Check out the official Star Wars Jedi: Survivor website for more information.

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PS Plus games always launch on the first Tuesday of the month which means there’s not long to wait for the new selection. From 2nd May PS Plus members can grab free copies of GRID Legends (PS5/PS4), Chivalry II (PS5/PS4) and Descenders (PS4).

To recap:

Leaving PS Plus on 2nd May, 2023:

• Meet Your Maker (PS5/PS4)
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5/PS4)
• Tails of Iron (PS5/PS4)

Available on PS Plus on 2nd May, 2023:

• GRID Legends (PS5/PS4)
• Chivalry II (PS5/PS4)
• Descenders (PS4)

Also remember that PlayStation have also announced that that the PlayStation Plus Collection will be retired from the 9th May, 2023. This is a curated library of PS4 games that defined the generation, including Batman Arkham Knight, Bloodborne, Fallout 4, God of War, Monster Hunter: World, Persona 5 and many more. PS Plus players can keep playing these games by adding them to their libraries before 9th May.

EF Games will bring you news of the PlayStation Plus titles for June towards the end of May. Remember to make sure you’ve added these titles to your collection before the new games arrive.

Let us know what you think of the PS Plus games for May well as your wishes for June via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Remember to give us a Follow or a Like while you’re there!

The post PlayStation Plus games for May 2023 announced appeared first on Entertainment Focus.

The fifth batch of Xbox Games with Gold for 2023 have been announced with two new titles to add to your collection. Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S subscribers can download copies of Star Wars Episode I Racer all month. From 16th May – 15th June, Hoa will also be available.

Don’t forget, you can still add all the games to your Xbox Live account even if you don’t own all the relevant Xbox consoles. Also, even if you own a physical copy of any of the games on offer it’s still well worth grabbing the free digital copies. You could then pass your physical copy on to a friend or trade it in as you will no longer need the disc to play.

EF Games will bring you news of the Games with Gold titles for June towards the end of May. Let us know what you think of the selection this month via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Remember to give us a Follow or a Like while you’re there!

The post Xbox Games with Gold for May 2023 announced appeared first on Entertainment Focus.

‘Bramble: The Mountain King’ draws on the powerful creatures and rich fables of Nordic myth to spin a unique tale of one boy’s courage in the face of sinister creatures and maddening darkness.

Inspired by the Nordic folk tales of Dimfrost Studio’s Swedish heritage, the dark adventure has regularly featured as a top trending game worldwide since the launch of its first demo on Halloween 2022.

Players take on the role of Olle, a young but brave boy, called by fate to adventure through the unsettling yet stunning environments of Bramble to rescue his sister from the clutches of beasts.

Dwarfed by the sprawling world around you, navigate a sinister world of imposing beasts and hidden threats lurking in the dark. Decipher friend from foe on an unnerving journey of suspense and survival… you can save your sister, but can you save yourself?

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Bramble has generated incredible support from the community with over 178 million views for #BrambleTheMountainKing on TikTok, as well as hundreds of videos and streams capturing player reactions to the unnerving twists and turns of Olle’s harrowing adventure.

Physical versions are also available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S priced at £29.99 and on Nintendo Switch priced at £34.99

The post ‘Bramble: The Mountain King’ launches on PC & console appeared first on Entertainment Focus.

Set in an intergalactic maximum security prison in the darkest hole in the universe, Space Prison is an experimental entity, gathering both guilty and innocent alien creatures under the jurisdiction of the artificial system. Taking on the role of one of the odd alien creatures, gamers will uncover the mystery of this grim facility and a legendary convict who is said to have escaped it. Space Prison’s unique social ladder system will see players forming alliances and enemies in a fight for survival; joining gangs and earning respect to rise to the top and, maybe one day, reaching the ultimate goal: sweet freedom!

Space Prison screenshots

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Space Prison features a diverse cast of questionable cosmic characters, each with their own special abilities, as well as weapons and equipment that can be crafted and upgraded. On the inside, players choose one of the galactic gangs to join, each supporting a different play style and unique mechanics, as well as its own secret gang hideout. The game also serves up plenty of cell-base customisation, collecting junky scraps and improving super-fancy furnishings: rocky crafting bench, storage in the hole behind posters, all the prison-break essentials.

“Space Prison combines survival with tactics and social dynamics. We wanted to create a game that would immerse players in a detailed sci fi adventure universe and offer them a truly unique gameplay experience. With Space Prison, we believe we are well on our way to achieving that goal and are thrilled to be bringing it to PC, PlayStation and Xbox players”

Hubert Kubit, CEO at Wooden Alien

There’s currently no release date for the game but interested players can add Space Prison to their Steam wishlist.

The post ‘Space Prison’ announced for PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S appeared first on Entertainment Focus.

PS Plus games always launch on the first Tuesday of the month which means there’s not long to wait for the new selection. From 4th April PS Plus members can grab free copies of Meet Your Maker (PS5/PS4), Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5/PS4) and Tails of Iron (PS5/PS4).

To recap:

Leaving PS Plus on 4th April, 2023:

• Battlefield 2042 (PS5/PS4)
• Minecraft Dungeons (PS4)
• Code Vein (PS4)

Available on PS Plus on 4th April, 2023:

• Meet Your Maker (PS5/PS4)
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure (PS5/PS4)
• Tails of Iron (PS5/PS4)

PlayStation have also announced that that the PlayStation Plus Collection will be retired from the 9th May, 2023. This is a curated library of PS4 games that defined the generation, including Batman Arkham Knight, Bloodborne, Fallout 4, God of War, Monster Hunter: World, Persona 5 and many more. PS Plus players can keep playing these games by adding them to their libraries before 9th May.

EF Games will bring you news of the PlayStation Plus titles for May towards the end of April. Remember to make sure you’ve added these titles to your collection before the new games arrive.

Let us know what you think of the PS Plus games for April well as your wishes for May via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Remember to give us a Follow or a Like while you’re there!

The post PlayStation Plus games for April 2023 announced appeared first on Entertainment Focus.

The fourth batch of Xbox Games with Gold for 2023 have been announced with two new titles to add to your collection. Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S subscribers can download copies of Out of Space: Couch Edition all month. From 16th April – 15th May, Peaky Blinders: Mastermind will also be available. Read our Peaky Blinders: Mastermind review to see what we thought of the game.

Don’t forget, you can still add all the games to your Xbox Live account even if you don’t own all the relevant Xbox consoles. Also, even if you own a physical copy of any of the games on offer it’s still well worth grabbing the free digital copies. You could then pass your physical copy on to a friend or trade it in as you will no longer need the disc to play.

EF Games will bring you news of the Games with Gold titles for May towards the end of April. Let us know what you think of the selection this month via our Twitter and Facebook pages. Remember to give us a Follow or a Like while you’re there!

The post Xbox Games with Gold for April 2023 announced appeared first on Entertainment Focus.