Natalie Bassingthwaighte steps away from reality TV after SAS ordeal

Australian actress and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte, 50, is stepping away from reality television after a confronting experience on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, according to insiders. The Neighbours alum reportedly rethinks whether celebrity reality formats fit her life after filming overseas with the U.K. version in a season that is set to air in January.

Those close to her describe the experience as physically demanding beyond expectations, with the extreme conditions taking a toll and prompting questions about the format’s fit for her. "She felt her body just wasn't responding the way she needed it to. That was really confronting for her," a source said. The experience is described as a turning point rather than a failure; she pushed through professionally but the ordeal altered how she views this line of work. "She doesn't regret doing it. But it was a wake-up call," the insider adds.

Since wrapping the series, Bassingthwaighte has signaled she has no plans to return to celebrity reality formats. She is reportedly refocusing on projects that align with where she is in life, leaning back into acting, music and creative work that doesn’t demand extreme physical endurance. The shift marks a reorientation toward roles and pursuits that she can pursue without the grueling demands of a military-style competition.

Season eight of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins will air in January and will feature Australian and English participants going head-to-head. The production is set in North Africa, with other Australian stars including Jessika Power, Emily Seebohm and Ryan Moloney taking part. Natalie’s Instagram post about her appearance on the series suggested the experience had a lasting impact: "It's moments like these that change the trajectory of it all. Being pushed beyond limits was eye opening, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and of course physically! But I DID it! What a thrill to take part in and watch and witness the strength of the other recruits overcoming fears and coming out on top! I know I certainly did in ways I never thought possible!"

Daily Mail has reached out to Natalie’s representatives for comment. A response was not provided at the time of publication. Natalie Bassingthwaighte’s career has spanned music and television, including prior reality appearances on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and The Amazing Race, as well as acclaimed work in theatre and on screen. The shift away from high-profile reality formats appears to reflect a broader reckoning among some performers about the demands and long-term fit of such shows.

Her decision arrives as fans and industry observers weigh the value and sustainability of celebrity-driven competition formats, particularly those that push physical and emotional extremes. The public reaction to her experience on SAS has included renewed discussion of how participants manage the pressures of such programs and what outcomes they seek after the cameras stop rolling. While the path forward for Bassingthwaighte remains to be seen, the reported pivot toward more traditional performance and creative work suggests a prioritization of long-term well-being and artistic exploration over visibility through reality television.