According to insiders speaking to the Daily Mail, Natalie found the physical challenges of the show so intense that she is now questioning whether this type of television is suitable for her.

“She anticipated it would be difficult, but not to this extent,” a source close to Natalie revealed. “SAS is unlike anything she’s ever experienced before.”

Insiders tell Daily Mail that Natalie’s experience on the reality show was so physically demanding, it has left her questioning if the TV format is right for her.  

‘She knew it would be tough but not that tough,’ a source close to Natalie tells Daily Mail. ‘SAS is a completely different beast to anything she’s done before.’

Filmed overseas alongside the UK version of the show, the extreme conditions and relentless physical demands are understood to have taken a heavy toll on Natalie.

According to friends, the experience left the Neighbours star privately questioning whether reality television still fits her life—both physically and emotionally.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte, 50, is reportedly stepping away from reality television after a confronting experience on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins

‘She’s been very open with people close to her about struggling,’ the source says. ‘She’s even said that maybe she would’ve handled it better years ago.’

‘She felt her body just wasn’t responding the way she needed it to. That was really confronting for her.’

While Natalie is said to have pushed through professionally, those around her describe the experience as a turning point rather than a failure.

‘She doesn’t regret doing it. But it was a wake-up call,’ the insider adds.

Since wrapping the series, Natalie, who previously appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! and The Amazing Race, has reportedly made it clear she has no plans to return to celebrity reality formats.

‘She’s been very clear that she won’t be doing these shows again. She feels that chapter of her career is done,’ the source says.

Instead, Natalie is understood to be refocusing on projects that better align with where she is currently at in life.

She is said to be leaning back into acting, music and creative work that doesn’t demand extreme physical endurance. 

The actress and singer is said to have been left rethinking her future in celebrity TV formats following her appearance on the elite military-style series

‘She feels she doesn’t have anything left to prove,’ the source adds.

Daily Mail has reached out to Natalie’s representatives for comment. 

Season eight of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins will air in January and sees Australian and English stars go head-to-head.

The series will take place in North Africa, with other Aussie stars including Jessika Power, Emily Seebohm, and Ryan Moloney.

‘It’s moments like these that change the trajectory of it all,’ Natalie wrote on Instagram about her appearance on the series.

‘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!’