Viewers of Special Forces only got a glimpse of Ravi Patel‘s sudden departure, but the comedian claims there was more that didn’t air.
During the Thursday, October 23, episode of the popular Fox series, the Directing Staff questioned the remaining participants about their desire to stay in the competition, which resulted in Ravi, 46, and Nick Young choosing to leave.
“That’s not actually what happened. Nick and I were both intending to leave together. From the start, we had always agreed [it], saying, ‘I’m planning to leave in a few days,’” Ravi revealed to Us Weekly. “My wife had to relocate homes for us while I was away. One of my children became ill the night before we were supposed to leave. I felt guilty and knew I needed to return to them. I wasn’t going to do this for the entire 10 days.”
Ravi and Nick, 40, shared the same mindset regarding their plans to leave early.
“I suggested we leave together and arrange it so that if we leave in the morning, we could potentially have dinner in Paris that evening,” Ravi joked. “The night before, we decided the next day felt like a good time [to leave]. We approached the DS, and Nick removed his armband and threw it on the ground.”
According to Ravi, the DS wasn’t pleased with his and Nick’s casual approach to the competition or their exits.
“[Rudy] told us to go back, and I hadn’t yet removed my armband. When we returned to the tent, everyone was laughing hysterically. They asked what had happened, and we responded that perhaps we hadn’t quit yet,” he continued. “Afterward, they called us out and inspected our water canteens. That was a significant issue. Your canteens must always be full, and if they aren’t, everyone faces consequences.”
Ravi seized the chance to speak with leadership again, telling Us, “I whispered to him that I had lost my canteen the day before and was trying to quit. After that, they officially allowed us to leave.”
Despite feeling prepared to leave, Ravi acknowledged having some regrets.
“I wish I had stayed for one more day. I felt bad when I left because I was in the lead. I had the most passes and the fewest fails of anyone on the show,” he mentioned. “My confidence was very high. I was curious to see how well I could do. I believe I could have won the entire season.”
Special Forces, which debuted in 2023, subjects participants to rigorous, military-style training modeled after actual special forces selection procedures. They encounter intense physical and mental challenges intended to test their limits.
“I anticipated the bathroom situation would be less than ideal. However, I didn’t realize the food would be so poor. Middle age has significantly affected me, and I’m desperately trying to regain my fitness and energy. I was already on a journey to improve my health, which is another reason I agreed to participate in the show – it provided me with a reason to hire trainers,” Ravi recalled. “The only thing I was truly concerned about before starting the show was sleep. Before the show began, you had to consult with the medic and were prohibited from bringing certain items.”
Ravi admitted to slightly “exaggerating” the severity of his occasional migraines to medical professionals.
“I explained that I needed melatonin in case I had trouble sleeping due to the long days, as well as earplugs, an eye mask, and ibuprofen. I brought a pack of 50 earplugs and distributed them to everyone in the tent, making me a hero,” he shared. “I was always trying to maximize my energy, even with food. I would sneak a piece of fruit into my bag in case I needed it later. I was constantly thinking ahead.”
Despite planning to leave early, Ravi wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of doing Special Forces again. Ravi even expressed enthusiasm for taking on the challenge with his fellow Animal Control costars.
“I’ve been urging Joel [McHale] to participate. It’s perfect for him. He would enjoy it, but he’s hesitant because he’s afraid of getting injured,” Ravi told Us. “He enjoys a challenge, so I’m still trying to convince him. I wouldn’t rule out Joel just yet. I wonder if he’d be more inclined to do it if I joined him.”
Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs on Fox on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
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