'It was one of the best things I've ever done'
New UK|October 21, 2024
Cherry Healey on why Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins was a life-changing experience and how she's happier than ever
LUCY ROBINSON
'It was one of the best things I've ever done'

When Cherry Healey reached her early forties, she craved a new challenge. After fronting documentaries on women's health, facing the heat of the kitchen on Celebrity MasterChef and travelling across the UK for Inside The Factory, the presenter wanted to push herself to the limit.

As fate would have it, Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins quickly came calling. Alongside the likes of TOWIE's Pete Wicks and Love Island's Georgia Harrison, viewers have seen Cherry, 43, challenged by an elite team of ex-special forces operators as part of the eight-day course, which saw them stripped of all their home comforts - and the experience was life-changing in more ways than one.

"It's one of the best things I've ever done," she tells us. "When I came out, I'd been dating this guy who was full of shenanigans. You know, there was lots of classic rubbish behaviour. I was really infatuated.

"I got back and the first thing I did was break it off with him because I thought, 'There's no way I'm going to jump out of a helicopter and then continue with this absolute farce.' So yeah, it changes you as a person and gives you a lot of self-confidence." Having watched the Channel 4 show from the comfort of her living room for years, the offer to appear on the latest series came at the "perfect" time. With her children, Coco and Edward, less reliant on her now that they are older, taking part was a no-brainer.

"It was really interesting when I got the call to say I'd been given a spot because I actually didn't really have to think about it very hard. It was an almost immediate yes," she admits.

"I knew this was not an invitation to go on holiday - I've watched the show for many years and I understood the level of tasks, so I did take a breath. But it came at such a great time, kind of the perfect time. My kids don't need me in the same way that they used to, so I've got more free time. I feel really physically strong, but I wanted to challenge myself."

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView all
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
New UK

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT

Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
New UK

Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex

Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'The win changed our lives for the better'
New UK

'The win changed our lives for the better'

While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Struggling in silence
New UK

Struggling in silence

With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
New UK

"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"

MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
New UK

'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'

Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
New UK

'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life

This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
New UK

Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch

Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
New UK

Meghan fears Harry having to exit US

The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
New UK

'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024