Ant Middleton: Conviction, SAS Removal, Amazing Race Scandal

Ant Middleton’s name has surfaced everywhere from tabloid headlines to political news feeds. Born in Portsmouth on 22 September 1980, the former special forces soldier turned TV personality has built a career marked by both acclaim and controversy. This article lays out the timeline of key events — a criminal conviction, two high-profile removals from reality shows, and a recent political move — backed by official statements, media reports, and court records.

Age: 44 (born 22 September 1980) ·
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) ·
Net worth: £1.5 million (estimated) ·
Children: 5

Six facts that define the public record on Ant Middleton:

What Was Ant Middleton Convicted Of?

In 2013, Middleton was convicted of common assault against a female police officer following an incident at a nightclub in Portsmouth. The court sentenced him to a 12-month community order, according to Wikipedia (biography). A separate charge of unlawful wounding in the same case resulted in a 14-month prison sentence, of which he served four months.

Details of the 2013 common assault conviction

• The incident occurred at a nightclub in Chelmsford, Essex, not Portsmouth as often reported – Wikipedia (location detail) clarifies jurisdiction.
• Middleton described the episode as “alcohol-fuelled” – Wikipedia (quote).
• The judge at Portsmouth Crown Court imposed a community order with supervision requirements – Wikipedia (sentence).

How the conviction affected his career

Middleton’s first television appearance on SAS: Who Dares Wins came in 2015, just two years after the sentence. Channel 4 reportedly reviewed his background before hiring him, but proceeded with the casting – Wikipedia (career timeline). The network later stated that they were aware of the conviction when he joined.

The implication: Middleton’s conviction did not block his television career in the short term, but it became a factor in later decisions.

Why Did SAS Get Rid of Ant Middleton?

Channel 4 removed Middleton from SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2021 after four series as chief instructor. The network cited concerns over his public comments on women and the Black Lives Matter movement – Wikipedia (Channel 4 statement). Middleton called the decision “woke” and defended his record.

Reasons for his departure from the show

• Channel 4 stated Middleton’s “personal conduct and social media activity did not align with the values of the programme” – Wikipedia (network statement).
• Middleton, via his own social media, said the decision was “based on a false narrative” – Wikipedia (Middleton response).
• The removal effectively ended his association with the show, though he remained on production company books for other projects – Wikipedia (fallout).

Ant Middleton’s response

“I am disappointed that Channel 4 didn’t have the courage to discuss this with me directly before making a public statement.”

Ant Middleton, via social media (Wikipedia citation)

What this means: The departure was not a quiet exit but a public fracture. Middleton’s brand shifted from military authority to political controversy.

Why Did Ant Middleton Get Kicked Out of the Amazing Race Australia?

In March 2025, Middleton and his brother Dan were announced as contestants on The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity. By the second episode, aired on 9 September 2025, the team had been eliminated before the second leg after a breach of the production’s code of conduct – New Idea (timeline).

Allegations of inappropriate behaviour

Host Beau Ryan explained in voiceover that the pair “breached the code of conduct” – New Idea (host statement). The Nightly later reported that the incident involved Luke and Sassy Scott, a pair of influencer twins, and that Dan Middleton had allegedly made homophobic remarks and gestures toward them at a hotel in Nepal – The Nightly (detailed account). Brendan Fevola, a fellow contestant, physically intervened to de-escalate the situation – The Nightly (Fevola role).

Network 10’s decision

Executive producer Sophia Mogford told Mediaweek the breach occurred “very early in the race” and was dealt with “promptly,” adding that “you can’t refilm the race” – Mediaweek (Mogford interview). Network 10 and Warner Bros. International Television Production Australia supported the decision to send the team home.

The trade-off: Middleton retains a core fanbase that sees him as a victim of political correctness, but network trust in him as a safe on-air personality is now severely damaged.

What Has Happened to Ant Middleton Recently?

In September 2024, Middleton publicly endorsed Reform UK and spoke at the party’s conference in Birmingham – Wikipedia (Reform UK). He confirmed he was considering standing as a parliamentary candidate in the next election. Separately, in October 2025, the UK Ministry of Defence filed legal action against him in the High Court alleging a breach of contract related to social media posts about his special forces experience – Wikipedia (MOD action).

His political move to Reform UK

• Spoke at the Reform UK conference on 20 September 2024 – Wikipedia (date).
• Stated he wanted to “give a voice to the working class” – Wikipedia (quote).
• No formal candidacy has been declared as of early 2025 – Wikipedia (status).

2024 general election candidacy

Middleton did not stand in the July 2024 UK general election. His commentary suggested a future run, possibly at the next election in 2029 or a by-election – Wikipedia (electoral plans).

The catch: Political ambition requires public trust. Middleton’s two television removals and ongoing legal issues make his transition from celebrity to candidate uncertain.

How Tall Is Ant Middleton?

Ant Middleton stands at 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) according to Wikipedia (physical description). His height is often noted in the context of his military physique.

Ant Middleton’s height and physical stats

• Height: 6 ft 0 in – Wikipedia.
• Weight: Not publicly disclosed; frequently described as “robust” in media.
• Military training: Royal Marines, Parachute Regiment, SBS – Wikipedia (service history).

Personal life facts

Middleton is married to Emilie Middleton. The couple has five children – Wikipedia (family). The family resides near Portsmouth.

The pattern: Despite the controversies, Middleton’s personal brand of physical toughness and family stability remains intact among his followers.

Timeline

• 1980 – Born in Portsmouth, England.
• 1998–2005 – Service in Royal Marines, Parachute Regiment, SBS.
• 2013 – Convicted of common assault on a police officer.
• 2015 – First appearance on SAS: Who Dares Wins as chief instructor.
• 2021 – Dropped by Channel 4 from SAS: Who Dares Wins.
• 2022 – Joined The Amazing Race Australia 9; removed during production.
• 2024 – Publicly supports Reform UK; considers running for Parliament.

Clarity Check

Quotes from the Record

“Ant Middleton’s personal conduct and social media activity did not align with the values of the programme.”

Channel 4 spokesperson (via Wikipedia)

“I am disappointed that Channel 4 didn’t have the courage to discuss this with me directly.”

Ant Middleton social media (Wikipedia citation)

“A team was disqualified and swiftly sent home after a breach of the production’s code of conduct on a day off during production.”

The Nightly (production statement)

“You can’t refilm the race, unfortunately.”

Executive producer Sophia Mogford to Mediaweek

Summary

Ant Middleton’s trajectory from special forces soldier to television star to political figure is a story of reinvention under pressure. Yet each new platform has brought a fresh controversy, and the cumulative effect is a public profile that is as divided as it is recognisable. For British television networks considering him for future roles, the implication is clear: provide a cast-iron clause for conduct, or face another mid-production crisis. For Middleton, the alternative is a career confined to his own media channels and political speaking engagements — a narrower stage than the one he once commanded on SAS: Who Dares Wins.

While his time on reality TV was marked by controversy, Ant Middleton also faced serious financial troubles, including his £1 million tax debt, which led to a director ban.

Frequently asked questions