Escape to the Legion

Explorer Bear Grylls experiences life in the French Foreign Legion. Joining a group of 12 recruits from various backgrounds, he undergoes a month of gruelling training in a Sahara camp. The romantic image of a refuge for men seeking to escape the past evaporates in the face of physical and psychological torment, as the staff push them to breaking point

Lee is rushed to hospital with a back injury, but Sgt Ferguson is convinced he is faking. Stephen also earns the officers' disapproval with his constant complaining, and Bear is punished for a small misdemeanour in classic Foreign Legion fashion - by being buried up to his neck in sand

The recruits are halfway through the course, but three of them have already dropped out, and the medics are barely keeping the rest on their feet. Bear does his utmost to keep spirits up, but a shock departure deals a blow to the group's morale. However, just when the volunteers seem unable to take any more punishment, their training enters a new phase that sheds light on another side of life as a Foreign Legionnaire

The number of recruits is falling rapidly, and debt collector Wayne clashes with his fellow legionnaires after another gruelling day's running in the Sahara heat. Those who remain are soon faced with their final challenge - 48 hours of training in the deep desert, with an 8km run in full combat gear followed by a 40km march to the sea. Last in series