Denise Richards has recently opened up about her experiences on the reality series “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” Season 3, describing it as the most challenging undertaking of her life. During a recent appearance at The Hollywood Christmas Parade, where she supported the Marine Toys for Tots initiative, Richards shared her thoughts with Us Weekly. At 53, she reflected on the ordeal with a mix of pride and incredulity, stating, “I’m glad I did it, but I would never do it again.” Her remarks highlight the physically and mentally demanding nature of the show, which has garnered both interest and admiration from fans of reality television.
In a light-hearted moment, Richards referred to her fellow contestant Kelly Rizzo, who previously participated in Season 2, as “nuts” for the advice she had provided before Richards’s own involvement. This comment suggests that while Rizzo’s experience may have differed, the challenges Richards faced were significant enough to warrant her apprehension about returning to the show. Despite the intensity of the competition, Richards did manage to forge meaningful relationships with some of her fellow recruits, including Trista Sutter and Olympic athlete Marion Jones, indicating that camaraderie often forms amid rigorous adversity.
The season features an impressive roster of 16 recruits, including notable names such as Brody Jenner, Cam Newton, and Carey Hart. As the show unfolds over its five-week duration, viewers will witness these celebrities attempting a series of extreme challenges drawn from actual Special Forces training protocols. Filmed in the rugged landscapes of Wales, the show distinguishes itself with its demanding tasks designed to test both physical endurance and mental fortitude, all under the watchful eye of ex-special forces operatives.
Among the harrowing challenges contestants face are a high-pressure hostage rescue scenario, navigating treacherous ladder crossings hundreds of feet in the air, and survival tasks in icy ocean waters. Each task pushes the participants to their limits, creating an atmosphere where decision-making under duress becomes essential. Richards admitted that her experience included moments of vulnerability, as indicated by her confession in an exclusive sneak peek where she expressed having “frozen” in critical situations during the competition, shedding light on the psychological aspects of the challenges.
The directing staff leading the exercises includes experienced professionals like Rudy Reyes and Jason “Foxy” Fox, who guide participants through intense martial exercises and survival skills. This setup emphasizes the show’s authenticity and commitment to mirroring the true essence of Special Forces training, ensuring that even celebrity participants face genuine trials during their time on the show. The absence of traditional voting or elimination rounds further sets “Special Forces” apart from typical reality competitions, focusing instead on personal growth and teamwork.
“Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” Season 3 is set to debut on January 8, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET on Fox, promising to deliver not only thrilling moments but also a glimpse into the personal transformations of its celebrity contestants. Meanwhile, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, where Richards discussed her experiences, will be available for viewers on The CW on December 14, 2023, ensuring fans get a chance to see her in a different light before the intense challenges of the show commence. As Richards reflects on her time with the show, it’s clear that each contestant is not just battling physical limits but also confronting their fears and discovering their inner strength.