INTERVIEW WITH JESSIKA POWER – RECRUIT NUMBER 8 (AUSTRALIAN)

Age: 33

From: Perth, Australia 

Occupation: TV Personality 

IG - @jessika_power TT - @jessika_power123

Jessika Power rose to fame on Married at First Sight Australia Season 6, becoming one of the show’s most talked-about and controversial figures. Often labelled a villain, she emerged from a turbulent upbringing with resilience and drive, later turning reality-TV notoriety into an international career across shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Celebs Go Dating, and Celebrity Ex on the Beach. 

After living and thriving in the UK for several years, Jessika built a powerful social media following and a reputation for unapologetic authenticity. Now, she’s taking on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins to push herself mentally and physically, prove her strength, and redefine her story on her own terms.

Why did you sign up to take part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins?

I signed up to Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins because I’m obviously known from reality television, and this was probably my sixth show. I’m known as the “husband-stealing witch,” “a drama queen”, “a shit-stirrer,” “controversial” — all of that. There have been so many years between shows where I just wanted to prove myself. I wanted to show that I’ve grown and matured. This was a show that was going to push me completely out of my comfort zone — which it absolutely did. I wanted to do this as a challenge for myself, but I also wanted to prove that people can change and grow, and that people on television shouldn’t be viewed with tunnel vision.

What did you hope to get out of the experience?

I think everyone goes in wanting to learn something about themselves, and I definitely did. I learned what my triggers are. I thought the physical side would be the hardest, but it was actually the mental side. That showed me where I was mentally in my life at that time, and it made me realise that I’m a strong person, a strong woman — and that I can take a bloody beating.

Did you do anything to prepare before going in?

I have never been a gym girl — ever. I’ve never gone to the gym. It’s actually embarrassing because people always ask about my workout routine or diet, and honestly, it’s just my metabolism and genetics. But for Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, I forced myself into it. I had a personal trainer and a strength and conditioning coach. I wore a 20-kilo weighted vest every single day and did 20–40 minute walks daily. I had three months to prepare, which I’m slightly embarrassed about, but I just thought, “I’m basically an Olympian now.”

Did being surrounded by Olympians, sportspeople and elite athletes feel intimidating or unfair?

I don’t think it was an unfair advantage. The show doesn’t choose people based on their background — they choose people based on what they think they can endure mentally and physically. I felt blessed to have been chosen. 

Who did you bond with the most while you were on the course?

Definitely Axel. I love him — he’s the funniest guy, so kind and caring. There were days when I couldn’t even lift my pack. After the rat race, I was in pain, and Axel would help me get my pack in and out of the car because everything is fast, fast, fast. Brad, our cricketer, was great too. There was also a cricketer on the English side who was hilarious. I lived in England for five years, so I loved the English banter. Seeing Australians and English people interact was so funny — half the time people didn’t know if someone was joking or taking the p*ss. I was also really close with Nat and Gabby. But overall, I’d say Nat, Axel, and Brad were the people I bonded with most.

What was the hardest challenge you faced?

There were two. The plane challenge, because I’m not a swimmer and also the rat race was the worst. It went on forever, and because it’s a team challenge, you have to keep going for your teammates. I felt like I was drowning the entire time. There’s a part where you have to go backwards through the water, and because of what happened in the plane challenge, I panicked. One of the directing staff members — Rudy — grabbed me by my vest and pulled me up. He kept telling me to breathe because he’d seen me panic before. It was terrifying, confined, and overwhelming. I’m small, so I can only imagine how the bigger guys felt.

What did you find harder - the physical or mental challenges?

I thought it would be physical because I’d never been to the gym, but it was definitely mental. 

What fears did you overcome?

I overcame my fear on this course of just pushing myself and definitely my fear of submerging underwater. Having water rushed over your face isn't the most fun thing in the whole world, let me tell you. And just pushing myself and being me.

How did you find the DS?

I struggle with being told what to do — I hate it, it makes me grumpy. There were times I wanted praise— and then when you do, it feels huge. But honestly, they run an amazing course. Hearing their stories and connecting with them on a personal level really helped. My favourite DS was Billy — the older gentleman. He was absolutely amazing. They’re hard-ars*s, but that’s exactly what they’re meant to be.

What was the first thing you did after leaving?

I got a bloody glass of wine. 

How did you find the living conditions?

I actually didn’t mind it. I killed two scorpions while sleeping in the beds, which was mental. The toilet situation, though, was disgusting. I felt really bad because Dani was put in charge of cleaning it out on the first day — it was horrendous.

If you could have brought one luxury item with you, what would it have been?

A bottle of wine or chocolate. The food had absolutely nothing in it!

How did you find the heat?

I was fine with the heat — I’m Australian, so we handled it better. The Aussies definitely had an advantage. The hardest part was the kidnapping on the first day — standing with a bag over your head for 40 minutes, sweat dripping down your face. That was rough.

Did anyone have any weird habits in camp?

The toilet situation. You use a tin bucket. Whoever went first to do a number two became this ongoing joke because everyone was so embarrassed. Living with men who don’t care makes it even worse.

What do you want the public to understand about you from the show?

I want people to see a different side of me — calmer, more mature. I was in a good place mentally and physically.

What’s one moment that will stick with you forever?

The hostage challenge. I was paired with Cole, and we ended up shooting each other. When Billy asked why I shot him, I said, “Because he’s a male.” That response came from my past and my trust issues. I react on impulse, and that moment really made me reflect on that.

What advice would you give someone taking part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in the future?

You can’t prepare for it — honestly. Just believe in yourself. If you think you can’t push those extra metres or hold your breath a few more seconds — you can.

Believe in yourself, because you’ll be shocked at how far you can go when you do.