Former Bachelor star, Sam Wood, has opened up about the dark side of reality TV and acknowledged the difficulties that come with finding fame later in life.
WATCH:Sam Wood warns reality stars not to ‘drown’ in their newfound fame
“It’s a pressure cooker. You go from being an ordinary person from complete obscurity to being on every bus, billboard, TV ad, literally overnight. And that’s a lot to handle,” the 38-year-old said on an episode of Ticker.
“I think some people want it [fame], and then when they get it, it’s a bit more than they probably wanted and they drown a little bit.”
Offering some sage words of advice to those who wish to be thrust into the spotlight, Sam said the constant attention can take a toll on your mental health, so it’s important to stay grounded and remain genuine.
“You’ve got paparazzi waiting outside your work, waiting outside your house. It’s a rollercoaster. But if you don’t get caught up in the circus, it tends to help your mental health,” said the personal trainer who met and fell in love with his now-wife on The Bachelor in 2015.
“The best advice was really to just be yourself. It sounds cheesy but it works. I found myself not wanting to go to all these events and just wanting to spend as much time with my friends and family and Snez and the kids.”
While he’s seen the damaging effects first hand, Sam said the reaction to his appearance on The Bachelor was overwhelmingly positive because viewers understood he was genuinely hoping to find the love of his life.
“I think I was really fortunate. I met Snez and now we have three beautiful kids and it was such a wonderful story that I think people really liked following along with that story.
“So I didn’t really get a whole heap of backlash. And I think people could tell I was there for the right reasons. The response to that has been really positive.”
Sam and Snez— who share daughters Charlie, nine months, and Willow, two, along with Eve, 14, from her previous relationship— tied the knot in 2018, saying “I do” during an intimate ceremony in Byron Bay. A little over a year later, the couple welcomed Charlie.
Speaking about how sharing kids has changed their relationship, Snez told WHO exclusively: “Honestly, we have never been closer. It really feels like our little, or not so little, family is complete.”
She also gushed about her hunky hubby and his incredible parenting style.
“Sam in dad mode makes my heart explode. There is nothing more beautiful than watching Dad Sam do his thing. He absolutely loves his three girls and they all love him.
“The girls (Eve and Willow) always go to Sam when they need something or want permission because chances are ‘Fun Dad’ is going to say yes. Unlike Mum, who’s the party pooper and will more likely say no.”
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