One of Swindon’s most famous celebrity exports will take on the gruelling challenge of Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Swindon-born TV presenter and former model Melinda Messenger has been confirmed as one of 16 famous faces to take on the fifth season of the daunting reality show.

The 52-year-old will appear alongside former health secretary Matt Hancock, singer Gareth Gates and ex-sports stars Jermaine Pennant and Gareth Thomas, among others.

They will face a series of challenges, set by chief instructor Billy Billingham, as they attempt to pass the unforgiving SAS selection course in Thung Ui, North Vietnam.

Ahead of the show airing she said: “It was incredible, the most intensely physically challenging thing I've done.

Swindon Advertiser: Melinda Messenger at the opening of Jollyes pet supplies shop in SwindonMelinda Messenger at the opening of Jollyes pet supplies shop in Swindon (Image: Newsquest)“I would say it was surreal, but I'd also say it was way harder than it looks on TV.”

Despite being in the spotlight for more than two decades, presenting shows such as Cowboy Builders and Fort Boyard, the former model recently told the Adver she still loves returning home to Swindon.

“I love Swindon’s location as you have got everything here that you want but it is also really easy to get out to the countryside and all of the other villages,” she added.

Viewers can catch Melinda in action during seven one hour episodes, starting on Tuesday, September 26, at 9.30pm.