Diane Youdale Gilbert has revealed she struggled with fame after appearing on the original series of Gladiators.
The 54-year-old beauty, known as Jet on the show, appeared on four series from 1992 until 1995 until she decided it was time the leave the programme.
She didn’t enjoy becoming a celebrity and “wasn’t comfortable” about members of the public thinking they knew her.
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Speaking to the Mirror, Diane explained: “I didn’t enjoy that process. I’d always had a kind of love/hate [with fame]. I never wanted to be famous. If it was ever gonna be [in my life], it had to be attached to something of an endeavour – to be good at something, otherwise it’s vacuous.”
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Diane made the decision to leave Gladiators in 1996 after an injury at an event. She remembers hearing a “pop” after having “tumbled down” the pyramid and landing on a crash mat. She said: “As a gymnast I’d broken ankles and popped ligaments [before so] I thought ‘that was my neck’.” “I was lucky,” she said, adding that her injuries included a “bruised” her vertebrae, but no broken neck.
(Image: @jetloves/Instagram)
She recalled being put on a stretcher and having “tears streaming” down her face when she “came round”. Diane continued: “I could wiggle my hands and I could just about wiggle my feet and I thought ‘y’know what, I haven’t broken my neck. I’m alright’.” The TV personality further commented about the experience: “But it was too close for me.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Diane went on to reveal she “absolutely knew” it was time for her departure at the time of her leaving the show. She said: “I love walking. I love walking beaches, mountains, forests. It’s one of my biggest pleasures I just thought no amount of money or fame will give me my legs back if that’s the case and I have the choice.” Since her departure from the original series of the show, Diane has embarked on a new career as a psychotherapist and counsellor.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
