The highly anticipated finale of *Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test* Season 5 aired on Fox on Thursday, November 12, culminating in an intense showdown among the remaining recruits. After eight rigorous days immersed in the Malaysian jungle, three contestants emerged victorious, earning their place among the elite in Special Forces.
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The grand finale featured seven celebrities: David Charvet, Alycia Baumgardner, Collin Gosselin, Matt Barnes, Candace Cameron Bure, Hannah Stocking, and Alexia Umansky. Each faced their final challenge, a daunting 12-hour interrogation characterised by relentless questioning and physical discomfort, which included having their heads hooded in a holding area when not being interrogated.
The first recruit to withdraw was pro boxer Alycia Baumgardner, who at 32 years of age expressed that she had “enough” of the mental and physical strain. Following her departure, David Charvet was informed by the directing staff (DS) that he had “failed to meet the standard” during the interrogation. The 54-year-old *Baywatch* star left with pride, stating, “I put it all out on the line, tried my best, and I feel that my kids can be proud.”
Matt Barnes and Hannah Stocking were the next to be sent home when their performance during the interrogation also fell short of expectations. The former NBA player, 46, voiced his frustration, feeling that he was still one of the strongest competitors. “I have no regrets,” he stated, reflecting on the unique experience. “Definitely once in a lifetime. I will not be doing that again.” Conversely, Stocking, 34, expressed a sense of accomplishment for reaching the final stages of the challenge, saying, “I feel like if I can get this far on a course, I could do anything.”
With three recruits left, the remaining segment of the interrogation involved a dramatic and chilling test, where they were required to float in a rising water-filled cage while enduring continuous questioning from the DS. The atmosphere was tense and emotional as the challenges escalated.
Ultimately, Candace Cameron Bure, Collin Gosselin, and Alexia Umansky endured until the end, with the DS declaring them the winners of Season 5. An emotional Gosselin, 22, couldn’t hold back his tears as he celebrated with his fellow contestants. “I wanted to win,” he shared, “and now I feel I have this new, profound belief in myself that nobody can take away from me.”
Bure, aged 50, dedicated her victory to all women, encouraging them with her words, “No matter what challenges you have, physically, you can do it.” Meanwhile, 30-year-old Umansky dedicated her win to her father, Mauricio, expressing her happiness in bringing pride to her family. “I’m really happy I can bring it home for us,” she said, her family ties adding an emotional layer to her victory.
Earlier in the competition, various other celebrities had to bow out of the intense programme, including Oliver Hudson, Ruby Rose, Brandi Glanville, Bre Tiesi, Maxim Naumov, LeSean McCoy, and George Santos, reflecting the demanding nature of the show. Last season, winners Gia Giudice and Shawn Johnson set the bar high, but this cohort certainly rose to the occasion.
Fans of the series can catch all episodes of *Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test* streaming on Hulu, providing an opportunity to relive the extraordinary challenges and transformations experienced by this year’s recruits. The finale has left viewers eagerly anticipating the next season as they contemplate the resilience and perseverance displayed by the contestants.
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