Bre Tiesi, known for her role on the reality series "Selling Sunset," undertook a starkly different challenge in the Malaysian jungle as a contestant on Season 5 of Fox’s "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test." The show, which places celebrities in grueling military-style training and survival situations, pushed Tiesi well beyond the luxury lifestyle she is accustomed to as a real estate agent and television personality.
Filmed in harsh conditions under the guidance of former special operations personnel Mark “Billy” Billingham, Jason "Foxy" Fox, Rodolfo "Rudy" Reyes, and Jovon "Q" Quarles, the season assembles a notable celebrity cast including Ruby Rose, Candace Cameron Bure, Collin Gosselin, George Santos, and Oliver Hudson. The participants face extreme physical trials, endurance tests, and psychological challenges, designed to mimic what elite special forces soldiers endure.
In a recent interview ahead of Episode 3’s premiere on October 8, Tiesi described the experience as transformative and deeply introspective. She noted that the ordeal forced her to confront personal issues she had long avoided and gave her perspectives unlikely to be gained elsewhere. "It completely changed me in so many ways I never thought it would. It was just deep. It was heavy," she said, emphasizing the mental and emotional intensity of the competition alongside the physical demands.
Tiesi also revealed that she sought insights from her ex-partner, former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel, who competed in the previous season of the series. While Manziel offered little advice beyond reassurance that she would be fine, Tiesi drew motivation from watching his progress and acknowledged that she surpassed expectations by lasting longer on the show.
In addition to the physical toll of the competition, Tiesi managed a recent medical issue related to scar tissue build-up in her chest and collarbone, which had previously affected her ability to train and move freely. Despite this, she decided to participate in the show, viewing it as a unique opportunity she could not pass up.
Support from her family was mixed but ultimately encouraging. Her young son, Legendary, initially questioned why she would undertake such a dangerous challenge but grew to admire her as a “superhero” after seeing her efforts. Meanwhile, her fiancé Nick offered cautious backing without fully understanding the motivation behind her decision to compete.
“Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” continues to showcase high-profile contestants navigating intense physical and psychological trials, with Tiesi’s journey standing out for its personal revelations and resilience under pressure. The series airs Thursdays on Fox.