Meet Survivor UK contestant – Leilani

Age: 45
From: Hertford
Occupation: Barista and cleaner at a yoga studio

What made you want to be a contestant on Survivor?

A friend saw the application and said I should apply, I was at a crossroads in my life and looking for a new direction so it came along at the perfect time.

What qualities did you think you’d bring to the game?

Tongue in cheek humour, general immaturity and ignorant bliss mixed with lots of love, cuddles and unity.

How did you prepare yourself mentally and physically for taking part?

I practice yoga and I go to the gym. I did struggle mentally to leave my son so I just had to take it day by day.

Did you have a strategy of how you were going to play the game?

I haven’t watched Survivor so I didn’t realise there was a psychological aspect to the game. I thought it was just about living right on the beach and competing in physical challenges, so I had no game plan whatsoever!

How competitive are you?

I didn’t think I was competitive, my fella says different…

What kind of challenges were you most looking forward to?

I thought I would be fine at the challenges but oh my god, they are on an insane level of difficulty.

How did you cope with living on a beach with no home comforts?

I didn’t mind at all living with no comfort, it’s a beautifully simple existence which I have always wanted to experience and I’m very grateful for being given this opportunity. I will say though that your bum constantly hurts from sitting on trees, rocks and rolls of bamboo though!

How did you cope with the hunger?

I imagined I would cope better with the hunger however with absolutely no other distractions its all-encompassing and every day you last your hunger becomes more and more compounded. All you do is fantasise about food.

What did you learn from being on the show or what is the biggest takeaway?

I learnt just how resilient and adaptable I am. My mental strength is super strong to be able to bear the pain of leaving my child at home during filming. I left Survivor a much more powerful woman.