SAS: Who Dares Wins fans love show's directing staff shake-up

SAS: Who Dares Wins returned to TV on Monday with a shake-up of the directing staff - and fans love the show's changes.

The Channel 4 series, which sees 20 recruits take on a version of the gruelling SAS selection process under the instruction of ex-military staff, had a new boss for last night's series opener as show veteran Mark "Billy" Billingham stepped up to be chief of directing staff.

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He was originally part of former show star Ant Middleton's team, and stuck with the show when Middleton was dropped and ex US Marine Rudy Reyes was drafted in last year.

Although Reyes is still one of the staff, he has taken a step back with Billy getting the top role thanks to his extensive jungle warfare experience as this series, billed the toughest yet, takes place in the Vietnamese jungle.

Billy's promotion was a popular move with fans, who were also pleased to see his long-time co-star Jason "Foxy" Fox back, too.

One viewer tweeted: "Really happy Billy is the chief instructor, he has the best lines."

Someone else agreed: "Great to see @billingham229b & @jason_carl_fox in charge this series. I like Foxy & Billy."

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Another viewer added: "Nice to see Mark 'Billy' Billingham leading the way this time. He's been the most consistent in the whole series and has the most experience out of all of them."

Someone else wrote: "Billy taking the lead will make this show enjoyable again."

Reyes debuted a dramatically different look, having cut his trademark long hair short ahead of the new series.

One viewer tweeted: "So glad Billy is taking the lead and the American got rid of the ridiculous hair!"

Someone else wrote: "Rudy has a new haircut? Barely recognised him!"

Fans of the series joked about Reyes' new role, with one person tweeting: "Has Rudy been demoted?!"

Someone else commented: "Rudy has been demoted to pot washer."

Another viewer wrote: "Great mix of characters in this series and the DS are not being a distraction and pleased someone has reprogrammed Rudy and dialled him down a notch."

Last series' other US star Remi Adeleke, who joined with Reyes, has not made a return and is replaced by new DS Chris Oliver.