How Biggest Loser’s most ruthless trainer turned into the biggest softie: Steve ‘Commando’ Willis opens up about his family – and if he is on good terms with ex Michelle Bridges
As I delve deeper into the lives of these two extraordinary individuals, I find myself both awestruck and saddened by their tumultuous journey. Michelle, a beacon of strength and resilience on The Biggest Loser, has faced her fair share of dark days following her split from Steve. The pain she felt during that time must have been overwhelming, akin to the weight loss challenges she once conquered on the show.
Steve ‘Commando’ Willis gained widespread recognition in 2007, making a powerful debut on Australian television as one of the toughest coaches on “The Biggest Loser” series.
In a popular weight loss show, the 48-year-old ex-soldier gained fame for his tough demeanor, often barking orders and speaking harshly to the exhausted participants.
Following a tough and commanding persona in his television roles, Steve has grown more tender in recent times. He credits this change to his four kids and partner Harika Vancuylenberg, as he shared with Daily Mail Australia.
On Wednesday, the co-founder of Get Commando Fit gym stated that he doesn’t lead his life in a manner similar to a commando character.
In terms of raising her kids – Briana, 25, Ella, 16, Jack, 13, and Axel, nine – Steve tends to use a more tender approach and often chooses to guide them through his actions.
‘I’m a lot more considerate and just, I don’t need to feel so compelled to interject,’ he said.
As a dedicated follower, I find myself reflecting on the unique approach needed when nurturing someone as young as Axel, rather than those who are more seasoned. While the elder ones may require a bit more independence, my method with Axel seems to involve a closer proximity and guidance.
Initially, things weren’t so smooth, as Steve admitted that he faced greater challenges with his firstborn, Briana, whom he welcomed into the world while still navigating life at the tender age of 22.
He mentioned, “Things are significantly different now compared to my youth. Perhaps it’s because I had some apprehension or the desire to avoid repeating the mistakes of my past when making decisions.
It appears that the offspring Steve shares with his former partners, Froso (Briana, Ella, and Jack), and Michelle Bridges (Axel), have given him equally valuable lessons in life as he has imparted to them.
He shared that his children often lead him into lengthy discussions, yet he appreciates this experience since it helps him improve his ability to articulate thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
As a male, you often encounter advice in the media emphasizing the importance of having a strong support system, where you can rely on others and seek assistance when needed.
As a youngster, it was challenging for me to articulate my thoughts using words, so I tended to convey emotions more through actions or gestures instead.
These days, notice the improvement in our communication and interactions – we’ve become significantly more thoughtful and respectful towards each other.
Currently, Steve is involved in a dedicated and affectionate relationship with his girlfriend Harika. The two of them met while attending the Get Commando Fit Group Training at Rouse Hill, NSW, in January 2022.
Back in February 2020, I found myself strolling hand-in-hand with my companion, a move that caught the eye of many, coming as it did only a few days after my former partner, Michelle, aged 53, was accused of drink driving, following our separation.
After four years have passed, the couple now share a harmonious household with six members, including Harika’s two kids from a past relationship.
Steve asserts that the duo might be considered too advanced in age to conceive more children, and at this point, they aren’t disclosing any intentions of getting engaged or married that are known to the public.
Instead, Steve speaks highly of his girlfriend, who’s been his partner for four years and happens to be an F45 trainer. Her enthusiasm for fitness is undeniably intense.
‘I’m proud to say [Harika] is an amazing woman. She really digs in. She works hard,’ he said.
“She is an exceptional mother to her children and shows great kindness towards mine as well. She is always thoughtful and caring.
She allows others to express their true selves and enjoys a lively atmosphere. You could say she’s quite the partygoer, always eager to hit the dance floor whenever possible.
She tends to be an outgoing individual, quite different from me in that aspect. She thrives when surrounded by others, much like flowers blooming among people.
Prior to my connection with Harika, I had previously been involved with Michelle, a renowned fitness expert, whom I crossed paths with during our shared time on The Biggest Loser project.
In the wake of us both parting ways with our previous relationships, we stepped onto the red carpet together for the first time in May 2013, marking the start of our new romantic journey.
2015 saw the joyous arrival of my cherished son, Axel, into our world during the festive month of December. Regrettably, we went our separate ways in the same momentous year of 2020, when my beloved partner Michelle faced the consequences of a driving under influence conviction.
2021 saw a former “Biggest Loser” star express to Good Weekend magazine that she experienced some challenging, or “difficult,” periods in life after parting ways with Steve.
‘I felt very alone,’ she said.
Without mincing words, that period was undeniably the most challenging I’ve encountered throughout my existence, culminating in the events that followed. I found myself enveloped in a cloud of uncertainty, struggling to discern the reality unfolding before me.
On Australia Day in 2020, around 11:25 am, I found myself being stopped in my Range Rover while driving with my young son Axel. As it turned out, a breathalyzer test revealed that I had a blood-alcohol level of 0.086.
Following the charge against her on January 26th, Michelle issued a statement saying that she had been experiencing a particularly challenging period in her life since her separation from Steve.
Later on, the individual admitted guilt for a moderate level of driving under the influence and was ordered to pay a fine of $750. Additionally, she faced a three-month suspension of her driver’s license.
Outside the courtroom, a visibly emotional Michelle stated: “At this moment, I’d like to convey my profound regret, embarrassment, and mortification regarding this unfortunate event and my poor decision-making skills.
I’m truly sorry for the poor decision I made, affecting my family, friends, and community. The repercussions of my actions are something I will carry with me always.
When inquired about his current situation with Michelle, Steve verified that they maintain a consistent connection and contentedly share parenting responsibilities for their boy, Axel.
‘Yeah, the co-parenting and just the communications around that. Whether [Axel’s] with her or he’s with me. He gets a good mix,’ he said.
‘We both value spending time together, and I make an effort to facilitate his bonding moments with his brother and sisters as well.’
Steve departed from “The Biggest Loser” following its tenth season, which aired in 2015, and endeavored to start an acting career in 2018 by featuring as a guest star on the show “Home and Away.
That same year, he joined the cast of Australian Survivor: Champions vs. Contenders and became the 18th person eliminated.
Steve dropped out of the spotlight following his split from Michelle in 2020.
This August, I was thrilled to learn that he’s coming back to TV screens after a long hiatus. (As a devoted fan)
I had the privilege of sharing hosting duties for season four of the 7Mate show, Search4Hurt. In this exhilarating series, fitness fanatics like myself work alongside experts, facing a succession of demanding physical tests.
Read More
- TOMI PREDICTION. TOMI cryptocurrency
- ETH PREDICTION. ETH cryptocurrency
- BAG PREDICTION. BAG cryptocurrency
- BCH PREDICTION. BCH cryptocurrency
- Louis Theroux reveals the sweet moment he fell in love with his wife Nancy Strang as he offers rare insight into their relationship
- NAKA PREDICTION. NAKA cryptocurrency
- SCLP PREDICTION. SCLP cryptocurrency
- GARI PREDICTION. GARI cryptocurrency
- LEO PREDICTION. LEO cryptocurrency
- OZO PREDICTION. OZO cryptocurrency
2024-10-06 06:04