Ant Middleton has staunchly denied that he was fired by Channel 4 as host of SAS: Who Dares Wins, describing the broadcaster as "reckless and desperate".
Earlier this week Channel 4 announced that it had parted ways with the 40-year-old after five years in a scathing statement that blamed his "personal conduct" as the reason for the decision.
Last year Middleton came under fire for a tweet criticising the violent aspect of the Black Lives Matter protests, while there have also been suggestions that he was heard making "inappropriate" comments on set, but speaking on Good Morning Britain today, he dismissed the stories as "smoke and mirrors".
"Channel 4's statement is very reckless and desperate. That's the word, it's desperate," he said.
"Especially backed by excuses like the BLM tweet. The BLM tweet I did a year ago, we settled that... and three or four months later I'm filming two more series of SAS: Who Dares Wins.
"It's all smoke and mirrors. When I filmed the last episode of SAS: Who Dares Wins, it became a half-scripted sort of reality show. Full control was taken from me - from health and safety to production - and after that show I said 'I'm not going to film any more, I'm done with SAS: Who Dares Wins'.
"I wanted to part in a healthy way and a positive way and they knew that I was going. All of a sudden they dropped this bomb about Black Lives Matter, I've been axed, and ultimately they're protecting their brand."
He continued: "If you're sensitive, if you're a snowflake, if you're easily offended, you do not belong on the set of SAS: Who Dares Wins. This isn't a Dancing On Ice, this isn't a Celebrity Big Brother, even though it turned into that.
"You're going to hear things that are uncomfortable, you're going to see things that are uncomfortable... you've got a group of alpha males, military alpha males that are going to put people through a gruelling process and if you don't like what you see, don't come and work on the set."
The new series of SAS: Who Dares Wins, which was pre-recorded with Middleton late last year, is expected to air in the coming months.
Follow us on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
Media Mole April Offer: Get Sky Entertainment, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £23 a month + £0 upfront fee for 18 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends 25th April 2024
