Mark
'Billy' Billingham

Mark Billy' Billingham MBE joined the Parachute Regiment in 1983 and served until 1991 holding an array of positions including Patrol Commander for operational tours in many worldwide locations and also served as a training instructor for the Regiments as a military specialist.

Billy joined the SAS in 1991 as a Mountain Troop specialist and has been responsible for planning and executing strategic operations and training at the highest level in numerous locations (Iraq, Afghanistan, South America and Africa) and has lead countless hostage rescues.

Current Work:

Billy is a certified Special Forces and Counter-Terrorist Sniper Instructor, Advanced Evasive Driving Instructor, Tracking/Jungle Warfare/Navigation Instructor, Demolition/Sabotage Instructor, Ski Mountaineering/Rock Climbing/Abseiling/Ice climbing Instructor, Combat Survival/RTI Instructor, Counter-Terrorist Instructor (all options) and has worked as a Patrol Medic/Trauma Life Support agent for five hospital attachments.

Billy is best known as a member of the Directing Staff in Channel 4's prime time hit show SAS: Who Dares Wins in the UK and Channel 7's record-breaking TV series SAS Australia.

Seven's Network Director of Programming, Angus Ross, said: “SAS Australia has broken records all over the place. it's��s the biggest show ever on 7plus and the biggest new TV show of the year”

Based on elements from real Special Forces Selection, the program puts celebrity and civilian contestants through an eight-day selection process testing the candidates mentally and physically.

Billy tours the UK, presenting to sold-out venues and theatres where he delivers inspirational messages and stories from his incredible life. Billy's show will tour in Australia during 2021. Billy is also available to deliver in-person & virtual motivational speeches at corporate & private events. Clients have included Sainsbury's, SAGA, Berkeley Capital, Live Promotions and CNA Hardy.

Billy's first novel, Kill or Capture, will be released in May 2021.

Previous Experience:

Early Days: Billy grew up tough - a grim future ahead of him offering little respite from the hostile streets he walked.

Leaving school at the age of 11, the threat of borstal hanging over his head, running with gangs in Birmingham, and almost being killed in a knife fight eventually led to Billy discovering the British armed forces at 16 years of age.

Military: Billy is a highly-decorated veteran; with a reputation for excellence, honesty and integrity not only supporting his fellow Directing Staff, but equally intimidating and inspiring the contestants who take on the gruelling challenges each week.

He received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery and the MBE for his outstanding service as the SAS Ground Commander for the London 2005 attacks and for leading several internationally renowned hostage rescues in Iraq.

A-List Bodyguard: Following his military career, Billy became a bodyguard for some of the world's most high profile celebrities. He looked after Hollywood A-Listers such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sir Michael Caine, Hulk Hogan, Kate Moss, Russell Crowe and Tom Cruise.