SAS: Who Dares Wins recruit Jacob Hazell has opened up about the tragic death of his girlfriend Emily Hartridge and how taking part in the show has helped him grieve.
Jacob, 28, from London, will make his debut on the Channel 4 show on Sunday 16 May, and recalls the passing of his girlfriend – influencer, Youtuber and presenter, Emily, who was tragically killed in a road accident whilst riding an electric scooter.
In July 2019, Emily and Jake moved in together and they were hoping to start a family that year.
Less than one week after starting their new life in their new home, Emily was travelling to an appointment at an IVF clinic, and was killed in a tragic road accident on her way.
Emily, 35, died whilst riding an electric scooter, which was gifted to her by Jake not long before her death.
In the aftermath of Emily’s death, Jake was trolled by strangers who blamed him for her death.
Speaking about why he decided to take part in SAS: Who Dares Wins, Jacob said: "I signed up because I felt very lost in life. After losing Emily back in 2019, I fear sometimes that I have given up in life without her.
"I needed to prove to myself that I hadn't. I screamed down that cliff during the abseil task, but the fact I walked off that edge proved that I still had some fight left in me."
However, he also admitted that doing the show was one of the toughest things he's ever done.
"My experience on SAS: Who Dares Wins was one of the toughest I have ever endured," Jacob revealed.
"I am sure most people would say it would be without doubt the toughest. However after losing my girlfriend Emily in 2019, SAS: Who Dares Wins takes second spot.
"It's fair to say that I was not expecting it to be as challenging as it was for me. It brought up things in me that I have had buried deep down for a very long time.
"And I am so grateful for the show and the opportunity as since leaving the course, it has helped me face up to and deal with some of those issues, rather than bury them down inside me."
He continued: "It helped me make peace with the whole situation. To the fellow recruits, DS, and all of you that work on the show, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Jacob said he would "100 percent" do the show again and said he's learnt "that I still have some fight left in me".
SAS: Who Dares Wins continues on Sundays at 9pm on Channel 4.
