(NewsNation) — Scandal-embroiled actor Jussie Smollett will make his television return after six years as part of Fox’s “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”
Smollett starred on the network’s hit show “Empire” for five seasons. He departed from the show after alleging he was jumped by two men in a racist and homophobic attack outside his Chicago apartment, only for investigators to determine the actor had fabricated the incident.
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Now, Smollett — along with 17 other celebrities — will compete in training exercises and challenges led by former special forces operatives in Season 4 of “Special Forces.”
Fox described the series as a “test unlike any other.”
“Viewers see the recruits face the harshest of environments that simulate the highly classified selection process, pushing themselves in the ultimate test of their physical, mental and emotional resilience and revealing the celebrities’ deepest and truest character,” the show’s website reads.
Other contestants include reality stars Kody Brown of “Sister Wives,” Brittany Cartwright of “The Valley,” mother-daughter duo Gia and Teresa Giudice of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” and actor Ravi V. Patel of “Animal Control.”
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Athletes make up a significant portion of the season’s contestants. They include Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East, U.S. women’s soccer player Christie Pearce Rampone and former NBA player Nick Young. Former NFL players Johnny Manziel, Randall Cobb, Eric Decker and Andrew East will also participate.
Rounding out the list are country music artist Jessie James Decker, model Chanel Iman, actress Eva Marcille and internet personalities Mark Estes and Brianna LaPaglia.
The series’ newest season will begin Sept. 25, according to Fox.
