Danielle Lloyd on the brutal realities of SAS – ‘I was black and blue and had trench foot’
Danielle Lloyd has well and truly claimed the title of ‘supermum’ after her incredible achievements on Celeb SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Through sheer grit, resilience and determination, the mum-of-five has made it all the way to the final stage of the process.
Describing the experience as the “most difficult thing I’ve ever done”, viewers also saw Danielle – mum to Archie, 13, Harry, 12, and George, 10, Ronnie, six, and daughter Autumn, 24 months – bravely open up about going through “hell and back".
Now happily married to electrician Michael O’Neil, Danielle says she’s proud of how far she’s come since – and that the show came exactly at the right time. Just eight months after filming, the star discovered she had severe endometriosis and wouldn’t be able to carry another child. She now faces surgery to destroy the lining of the womb – but if anyone can get through it, it’s Danielle.
Here, the former glamour model, 39, tells OK! how being a mum helped her throughout the gruelling process, as well as sharing her exciting birthday plans ahead of turning 40…
Congrats, Danielle! Did you ever think you’d make it to the final?!
I thought I’d be gone in the first day. I was so unfit. But by the end I had abs and a six pack!
Was there any rivalry between you and the remaining recruits?
No. Honestly, when I made the final three, my body was just dead. I had nothing left to give. I was like, ‘Oh my God, when is this torture going to be over?!’ At the end I was just so thankful it was done, and so proud of myself. I was proud of the other two as well, they were so strong. It was an amazing journey for us all.
What’s the response been like?
Amazing. Even at the kids’ football games – the men have been coming up to me, cheering me on. I think I’ve shocked a lot of people with how strong I am. I’m known as a glamour model and Miss Great Britain, but I gave it my all. People will think, “God, I’m not going to mess with her!”
How much of the process is about mental strength?
It’s what gets you through. I was missing my family so much but I just wanted to make them proud, and do something for myself for once. I did it for all the mums out there who feel like all they do is look after their kids, and to prove to myself that us girls can do it.
You even managed to get further than Perri Shakes-Drayton, an athlete. What gave you that edge?
I honestly think it’s having five kids – you’ve got to be mentally strong for them. There’s a different challenge every day with being a mum. You go through your own struggles in life and then think, ‘God, I’m finally happy, I’m married, I’ve settled down’. And then the kids start having problems of their own. Mentally, I knew I was in a really good place.
Did the kids watch everything – even the tough bits?
My older kids watched it all. They know what’s happened in the past, I’ve explained it to them, so they knew what was coming. They think I’m really strong. They were talking about SAS in class and one of the kids said to my son, “Your mum is so fit! She’s hardcore!”
What was your lowest point?
When we got the phone call home, I was just emotionally and physically drained. I just didn’t know if I was going to be able to go on anymore. The DS thought it was going to really break me at that point but for some mad reason it made me so much stronger. As soon as I saw their faces and knew they were fine without me, I thought, “This is it.”
Did it take a toll on your body?
I was black and blue all over and had the biggest bruise on the back of my leg from the tasks. And I had trench foot – it was horrendous. But I was in peak condition afterwards!
You’ve had a tough year, health wise. Did SAS prepare you for what was to come?
I literally came out it so positive… I felt amazing. I was like, nothing is going to break me, I don’t want anyone negative around me. Michael was like, “who are you?!” It was honestly the most amazing experience of my life. I felt like I needed it. It made me stronger and more resilient as a person.
Do you have a date locked in for surgery?
I’m still waiting. I was hoping it would be before December, but it could be next year. I’d rather not wait around because of the health problems I have with it. I saw Vicky Pattison talking about her premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms recently – that’s exactly what I get too. It’s just horrible, it makes you feel so depressed and c**p about yourself. Nobody talks about it, so it’s nice she’s spreading the word.
You were close with Montana Brown and Amber Turner on the show. Have you made friends for life?
Yeah! We’re going to Paris to celebrate my 40th in December. I can’t wait!
How are you feeling ahead of turning 40?
Age is just a number at the end of the day. Being on proves that it doesn’t matter how old you are. It’s how you feel about yourself, that’s the main thing,
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