‘He was like a son to me’: Merrick Watts reveals close bond with Jackson Warne after he quits SAS Australia
They both starred alongside each other on SAS Australia, Channel Seven’s new military-style show.
And on Tuesday, former radio star Merrick Watts revealed Jackson Warne was ‘like a son’ to him after the 21-year-old left the gruelling series.
‘This guy. Was like a son to me. Losing him on the pack march really hurt me and the other recruits. No person his age has ever impressed me as much as him,’ the 46-year-old told his Instagram followers in a post.
‘He was like a son to me’: On Tuesday, Merrick Watts (pictured) revealed he shared a close bond with Jackson Warne, following his exit from SAS Australia
The former radio star continued to heap praise on cricketer Shane Warne’s son, adding: ‘He is his own man. His body let him down but his mental acuity was supremely impressive and something to be admired by all ages.
Merrick closed his tribute by saying Jackson was ‘awesome to shoulder to shoulder with!’
On Tuesday night, Jackson elected to leave the series, and broke down in tears while talking to his dad, Shane Warne, on the phone.
‘Guess what! I tried everything. I did everything. I tried all the food, I did all the ropes courses, I did all the water stuff, I did it all,’ he told his dad.
Out of the game: On Tuesday night, Jackson elected to leave the series, and broke down in tears while talking to his dad, Shane Warne, on the phone
Clearly proud, Shane told his son ‘well done’ and asked him if he was ‘glad’ he’d agreed to appear on the gruelling reality show.
‘Yes, so happy! I learnt so much. It’s changed my life,’ Jackson told Shane, who smiled and told him, ‘That’s awesome’.
As Shane told his son that he looked ‘exhausted’, Jackson began to sob uncontrollably.
Calling dad: After turning in his armband and electing to leave the show during a pack march, the 21-year-old phoned his famous father, Shane Warne, on a video call
‘Oh, mate. You know what I reckon you’ve done, you’ve pushed yourself so much. You’ve done unreal, mate,’ Shane reassured him.
He added: ‘We love you. We’re so proud of you. You’ve done awesome… Mate, we’re so proud of you. You’ve done unbelievably well.’
Overcome with emotion, Jackson continued to sob as his dad continued to tell him how much he loved him and how proud he was of him.
‘Go and smash 20 burgers!’ Shane added with a laugh.
Touching: Overcome with emotion, Jackson continued to sob as his dad continued to tell him how much he loved him and how proud he was of him