SAS: Who Dares Wins' first transgender contestant wanted to "make [her] parents proud".
'SAS: Who Dares Wins'
Holly - a 32-year-old circus artist and project manager - has opened up on her reasons for signing up for the upcoming sixth series of the intense Channel 4 show to try and overcome her insecurities.
She said: "I turned 30 not long before signing up and as a transgender woman with mental health issues, who has been single her entire life, I guess I was really insecure in myself.
"Plus what woman wants to date a 6’4 trans muscle queen?
"So one of the reasons I signed up was because with my mental health issues and feeling like I was going to be single for the rest of my life, having never had a relationship, I needed to do something to prove to myself that no matter what life throws at me I’m going to be okay.
"I also wanted to make my parents proud and prove to them that I’m strong mentally."
Holly revealed how much the series has changed her, as she admitted she can "truly accept" herself after so long.
She explained: "Since coming back I’ve been inspired to start a community circus organisation dedicated to providing a safe space and an alternative to the gym.
"We especially welcome the LGBTQ+ community and those suffering with mental health issues.
"We offer the chance to learn aerial circus disciplines and crossfly which blends crossfit with aerial circus disciplines.
"I also feel so much more confident in myself and my identity. I can say I truly accept myself now, which for me is a huge step forwards.
"I also have a lot of pride in my identity and my story which I hope is going to help give people the courage to step out into the world as there true selves."
'SAS Who Dares Wins' starts on Sunday (09.05.21) at 9pm on Channel 4.