Fash the Bash says new TV role is tougher than anything he faced on the pitch
The former Wimbledon hard man is taking part in Channel 4’s new show, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, and he admits that it has caught him by surprise by the tough nature.
Twenty-five years ago next month John Fashanu called time on one of the most notorious careers in football history – following a serious knee injury.
And the ex-England and Wimbledon striker, forced to retire in May 1995 after a challenge by Ryan Giggs, admits the series was far more of an ordeal than anything ever faced on the pitch.
Fash, who moved to Aston Villa the summer before Giggsy clattered him at Old Trafford, said: “Celebrity SAS was a seriously tough experience. Mentally and physically.
“In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s the toughest thing I’ve ever done in my life – way harder than being kicked black and blue in the Premier League every weekend.
“If I’d had my old Crazy Gang pal, Vinnie Jones, to help out, it might have been a little easier – but even Vinnie would have struggled with some of the tasks we were set.”
That is some admission given hard-man Fashanu, capped twice by England in 1989, was embroiled in so many fearsome on-field scraps.
Ex-Tottenham defender Gary Mabbutt was his biggest victim after having his skull and eye- socket broken by a flying Fash elbow in 1993.
The White Hart Lane legend nearly lost his sight so severe was the damage – though martial arts expert Fashanu escaped punishment after pleading it was an accident.
As for his own career-ending moment against Manchester United, he bears no hard feelings.
Indeed, Fash, 57, who divides his time between Nigeria and the UK, even has a framed picture of himself being stretchered off to remind him of that fateful afternoon.
The ex-Crazy Gang skipper, who scored 149 goals in 394 league appearances, added: “Giggsy was this little, lightning teenager who tackled damn hard – as I discovered.
“But I never held a grudge. If you give it out, you have to take it.”
Well, Fast the Bash, as he was known during a decade of bruising battles with the English elite, is back in action on Monday night – in Channel 4’s new show, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Meet Azeez Odumosu, The Multi-Talented Yoruba Actor Shaping Nollywood’s Future
Azeez Awiye Odumosu also known as Veron, a rising star in the Yoruba movie industry, has become a force to reckon with as an actor, producer, influencer and the CEO Awiye TV on YouTube channel. Known for his vibrant presence on TikTok and as a successful entrepreneur, Odumosu is the owner of Awiye Autos Nigeria Limited, a reputable car dealership based in Lagos State.
Hailing from Iragunsin, Epe, Lagos State, Azeez began his journey as a content creator, leveraging social media to showcase his talent and build a fanbase. His transition into Nollywood came when he connected with key players in the industry. In 2024, his professional acting career officially began after being introduced to his boss, Kayode Adebayo, popularly known as Kay Alubarika, who is a Nollywood movie director, Akintelu Fatimah Gbemisola and a popular D.O.P, Azeez Tijani also known as AZ.
Since joining the industry, Azeez has featured in several Yoruba movies, earning recognition for his talent and dedication. His venture into movie production has also gained attention, with his debut production, “Odun Kan”, promising to be a blockbuster. With his growing ambitions, Odumosu is currently planning to shoot a cinematic movie, aiming to leave an indelible mark on the industry.
Balancing his acting career with his thriving business, Awiye Autos Nigeria Limited, Azeez Odumosu exemplifies versatility and determination. As he continues to excel in Nollywood and beyond, fans eagerly anticipate his next projects and entrepreneurial milestones.
Nigerian Thespian Wuraola Olaniran Takes Center Stage
Wuraola Olaniran, a versatile actor, scriptwriter, and director, has carved a niche for herself in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. With a degree in English Literature from the University of Ilorin, Wuraola’s passion for acting began at a tender age, blossoming into a successful career.
A Stellar Career
Wuraola’s professional journey commenced in 2015, with her debut screenplay appearance in February 2016. Since then, she has captivated audiences with breathtaking performances in numerous stage and screen productions. Her repertoire includes:
• Stage plays: “A Dance of the Forests,” “Life Burial,” “Love Twirls of Aditu and Iyunade,” “Efunsetan Aniwura,” and “Moxie of Afonja.”
• Screen productions: “To Kill a Monkey,” “Miracle Center,” “Omije,” “Aiyetoro Town,” and “The Only Celebrity in Nigeria.”
• Notable collaborations: Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, Toyin Abraham, Femi Adebayo, and Kemi Adetiba.
Directing Credits
Wuraola’s directing credits include:
• A Dance of the Forests (Wole Soyinka)
• Life Burial (Helen Paul)
• KWRS Tax Program (2018)
Upcoming Performance
Catch Wuraola live on stage on November 17th in “Moxie of Aareonakakanfo,” where she will masterfully portray three distinct characters.
Artistic Philosophy
For Wuraola, acting transcends entertainment; it’s a cultural bridge, preserving heritage and uniting diverse audiences. Her dedication to authenticity and immersive storytelling has earned her recognition within the industry.
Mustapha Sholagbade Releases Highly Anticipated Part 2 of “Oko Aunty Mi” on YouTube
Following the success of the first installment of *Oko Aunty Mi”, which quickly became one of the most viewed movies on YouTube, producer and actor Mustapha Sholagbade has released the much-anticipated part two. Fans can now catch the continuation of this compelling story on Mustapha Sholagbade TV (Mstvfilms) on YouTube.
The storyline dives deep into the complexities of marriage, exploring the risks of the blame game when mutual understanding and tolerance are lacking. Described as a “unique love literature,” “Oko Aunty Mi” follows the journey of a young couple facing critical challenges in their union. The big question remains: will they uncover the missing element in their marriage, or will they be torn apart by unresolved issues? Find out in the part 2 of the flick.
Featuring a fantastic cast, including Mide Funmi Martins, Allwell Ademola,Yomi Fabiyi, Saidi Balogun, and Sholagbade himself, the movie promises top-notch performances and an unforgettable storyline. “Oko Aunty Mi” Part 2 is now available for streaming, delighting fans with its depth and emotional resonance. Use the link to view the movie for free: