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 July 29, 2024 edition of New UK.
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 July 29, 2024 edition of New UK.
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
TV'S NEWEST SLEUTHS
Eve Myles and Katherine Kelly star as a detective and a psychotherapist who team up to catch a serial killer in The Crow Girl
ARE YOU AT RISK OF GETTING AN STI?
As rates of sexually transmitted infections soar in the UK, we look at how you can protect yourself and why it's important to talk about sex
'Black Swan' killer shot husband after troubled age-gap marriage
Ashley and Doug Benefield wed after knowing each other for 13 days
"There's a clear line between life before and after the bombings“
Julie Nicholson's daughter was killed in the 7/7 London terror attacks. Here, nearly 20 years on, she shares what she's learnt about grief
LET'S DO BRUNCH
Take inspiration from three celebrity chefs who know just the right ingredients to serve up a brunch to remember
BEAUTY FILE
Laura Mulley shares this week's must-haves, trends & tips
LOOKIN' GOOD!
These celebs are showing off the results of their fitness regimes as they soak up some winter sun
MAKE YOUR MOVE
Whether you're trying out a new class or heading for the great outdoors, our pick of the best activewear will see you through every adventure
'Now I'm full of energy and tackling life'
Real Housewives Of Cheshire's Paige Chohan chats about losing 3st since having her baby
'I can't believe how far I've come in a year
Former Love Islander Shaughna Phillips tells new how she dropped 5st
