Locky Gilbert is no stranger to reality television. In fact, SAS Australia is his fourth time on our screens since he first appeared as a castaway on two seasons of Australian Survivor, before becoming The Bachelor in 2020.
But while he’s used to the cameras, the pressure and the unique notoriety only reality TV can bring, this was his first taste at having the ill-fated ‘villain edit’.
“Sometimes things get taken out of context, but I mean, it’s a TV show, I should know that the best,” Locky, 32, tells TV WEEK.
“It does affect you. You get all sorts of direct messages on Instagram saying ‘go kill yourself’ or ‘you’re the worst person in Australia’. That weighs on you, but as long as the people that know me know who I really am, that’s all that really matters.”
Locky says he’s received hate messages from SAS Australia fans.
(Image: Seven)As a 198cm-tall, physically fit adventure instructor, Locky was built for the gruelling SAS course. He thrives in physical challenges, often carrying his team to victory.
While many of his peers were left battered, bruised and nursing injuries following their time on the course, Locky was ready to keep going.
“When we finished, I was ready to go for another three weeks. I was in top physical shape, but mentally I was pretty messed up,” the former Bachelor admits.
Throughout his time on the show, Locky was consistently criticised for his hero complex by chief instructor Ant Middleton and the directional staff. But up until this point, he’d always thought of it as a good thing.
“When we finished, I was ready to go for another three weeks.”
(Image: Seven)“When I got told that having a hero complex was a bad quality to have, it really hit home,” he says.
“Getting torn down for being confident, that really got to me because my whole life I’ve tried to be the best, be confident in my abilities and help people wherever I can, in any situation.”
Although it was a hard pill to swallow, the course made him realise that he couldn’t always be the top dog in every situation – especially after being bested by Olympian Geoff Huegill in one of many strength-based challenges.
“Geoff made me realise that there is always going to be someone bigger and badder than you,” he says.
After filming, it wasn’t until watching the show with his girlfriend, Irena Srbinovska, that Locky could see his own learning opportunities.
(Image: Seven)“You can’t always think you’re the best, you have to be learning from people. I really took that away from Geoff. He said to me, ‘Only the whales that surface get shot.’
“It was great advice… I wish I had listened.”
After filming, it wasn’t until the Survivor star watched the show with his girlfriend, Irena Srbinovska, that he could see his own learning opportunities.
“Watching the show back, I was thinking, ‘Locky, just shut your mouth’,” he says. “And with the Pauly stuff, I shouldn’t have let it get to me.”
After meeting on The Bachelor in 2020, Locky and Irena have been going strong, despite rumours circulating that the couple have separated.
Although the reality star isn’t ready to reveal when he’ll pop the question, he promises that they’re still together and thriving.
“I like to keep some things close to my chest,” he laughs.
Locky says he can’t wait to start a family with Irena.
(Image: Instagram)As for starting a family? Locky can’t wait.
“One hundred per cent I can’t wait to be a dad. We went away with some friends on the weekend and they had three kids. I was just running around with them non-stop. That’s definitely what I want in my future,” he emphasises.
“I’m worried this might be a bad thing, but I still want to be my kid’s hero.”
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