Natalie Bassingthwaighte initially dismissed the idea of appearing onCelebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, drawing a firm line at the show’s notorious physical challenges. She envisioned a different kind of participation, one that avoided direct combat. But producers had other plans.
The reality hit hard and fast. In the very first episode, the formerNeighboursstar found herself reeling, utterly defeated after a brutal encounter with Love Island’s Gabby Allen. She remembers the moment vividly – collapsing onto the dusty ground, completely overwhelmed. “I’m alive!” she exclaimed later, a testament to surviving the initial onslaught.
The physical toll was significant: staph infections in her knees, a body covered in bruises. Yet, Bassingthwaighte’s pride wasn’t in avoiding defeat, but in facing it head-on. She emerged with her spirit intact, deeply satisfied with her resilience throughout the grueling experience.
Her initial reluctance stemmed from a vulnerable place. When first approached years ago, Bassingthwaighte admits she “wasn’t in the best space mental health wise.” The show’s intensity – mirroring the trials faced by elite UK Special Air Service recruits – demands a level of fortitude few possess. Stories of past contestants’ injuries, like torn labia and broken ribs, underscored the show’s unforgiving nature.
The past few years had been a period of profound upheaval for Bassingthwaighte, a whirlwind following a career already marked by dramatic shifts. From a long-running role onNeighboursto chart-topping success with Rogue Traders, and hosting prominent television shows, her life had always been public. But recent events demanded a deeper, more personal reckoning.
This time, when asked to return to SAS, she felt different. She’d spent years in soul-searching, building a “tool belt” of emotional resources. It was a moment of self-assessment: could she truly confront the challenge now? The answer, surprisingly, was yes.
In November 2023, Bassingthwaighte publicly came out as queer, revealing a loving relationship with stage manager Pip Loth. This revelation followed the end of her marriage to Rogue Traders bandmate Cameron McGlinchey, marking a turning point in her life and a courageous step towards authenticity.
The connection with Loth, who uses they/them pronouns, felt immediate and profound. Bassingthwaighte described it as a recognition of a bond forged across lifetimes, a deep and otherworldly connection that brought immense joy and stability.
However, the path to embracing her truth was fraught with difficulty. The realization of her sexuality came later in life, and was compounded by the threat of unwanted public exposure. It was a period of intense vulnerability, a struggle to reconcile her inner self with external expectations.
Growing up in a time when being gay wasn’t accepted, Bassingthwaighte hadn’t initially identified as queer. The realization felt unexpected, yet in retrospect, everything clicked into place. It was a journey of self-discovery, a process of understanding a fundamental aspect of her identity.
The fear of losing her children’s love, of alienating her family, and of jeopardizing her career weighed heavily on her. Yet, a powerful inner voice insisted on authenticity. Her body, she said, demanded she embrace the truth, even amidst the terror.
Bassingthwaighte was, in a sense, “almost forced” to come out after a media outlet approached her with knowledge of her split and her new relationship. They sought a quote, threatening to reveal the story themselves. The ultimatum triggered a paralyzing fear, a 24-hour period of agonizing indecision.
Ultimately, she chose to control the narrative, sharing her story on a podcast. The moment of release was overwhelming, a flood of tears born from relief and joy. It was a liberation, a reclaiming of her truth.
Life now feels vibrant and fulfilling. Her home is filled with the energy of family, a testament to the love and support surrounding her. The recent proposal to Loth was a meticulously planned expression of affection, a celebration of their unique connection.
Loth, she explained, views marriage as an affirmation of love, not a claim of ownership. Bassingthwaighte orchestrated a romantic proposal at Niagara Falls, complete with a poet flown in from New York to compose a personalized poem. The day was filled with nervous anticipation and ultimately, breathtaking joy.
The celebration culminated in a shout-out from Schitt’s Creek star Noah Reid during his concert, performing a song that held special meaning for the couple. It was a moment of serendipity, a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Bassingthwaighte’s resilience is undeniable. She’s faced down fears on reality television and in her personal life, emerging stronger each time. She understands that the challenges of reality, however painful, often pale in comparison to the battles fought within.
Her motivation extends to her children, Harper and Hendrix. She wants to demonstrate the power of perseverance, to show them that even in the darkest moments, it’s possible to rise again. She wants them to know that listening to your body, and prioritizing your well-being, is paramount.
And even when that body is being physically challenged, even when it’s being whacked by Gabby Allen, she knows she can endure. Because the true tests of strength are often found not in simulated combat, but in the courage to live authentically.
