Rebecca Gibney reveals the darkest period of her life as a recovering ‘people pleaser’ with a ‘not normal’ brain – ahead of her Dancing With The Stars debut
Behind her radiant smile on screen, Rebecca Gibney, a celebrated actress and beloved TV personality, has been privately wrestling with demons that came close to shattering her.
60-year-old Halifax celebrity publicly disclosed the most challenging period in her life, sharing that she’s battled severe anxiety attacks, persistent need to please others, and what she terms an “unusual” mindset.
She shared with The Daily Telegraph, “There are far too many open tabs in my mind, each representing a task or thought. I can concentrate intensely on one of them, but then I become anxious because I’ve neglected something else.
From the age of 14, I experienced frequent panic attacks that persisted until my early 30s. If given the chance to alter something, I would prefer if my brain functioned in a more typical manner.
Gibney, preparing for her appearance on Dancing With The Stars this coming Sunday, shared that the psychological strain of the competition exceeded her expectations and reawakened longstanding apprehensions about not measuring up, which she has battled since her youth.
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In all honesty, I experienced an overwhelming fear that felt absolutely intense,” I admitted. “At times, I found myself slipping back into the shoes of a 12-year-old being scrutinized, which was quite peculiar. It left me with this strange sensation, as if I had let myself and everyone else down.
Over the course of a 40-year career, Gibney admits that it wasn’t until recently, following many personal growth experiences, that she began to understand the importance of releasing perfectionistic tendencies and focusing on her own wellness instead.
As a person who has often leaned towards making others happy, a trait I believe I picked up from my mother, I find it hard to truly revel in moments if those around me aren’t also enjoying themselves. This is how I put it.
With each passing year, I find myself more adept at establishing limits… and to quote my beloved husband Richard, “I’m no longer wasting my precious energy on those who don’t earn it.
It’s clear that Gibney is expected to be the audience’s top pick for winning the Channel Seven dance competition, set to air this coming Sunday at 7:00 pm.
Last March, I set hearts pounding when I offered a glimpse into my dance rehearsals for the reality TV show, giving everyone a peek behind the curtains.
In a modest post, the actress from New Zealand expressed surprise, saying something like, “I never imagined I’d be this close to doing the splits again at my current age,” accompanied by an unposed picture.
In the photo, it seems like she’s rehearsing a tango with her dance partner, Ian Waite, as he lifts her leg high over his waist.
In a captivating manner, Gibney conveyed the sensual essence of dancing as she nestled her head against Ian, their bodies connected solely by the dancer’s limbs encircling her slender form, elevating the esteemed Logie Hall of Fame member.
She recently freely admitted filming DTWS is ‘the most challenging thing’ she’s ever done.
As I navigate this journey, I won’t become a professional dancer, but I’ve certainly shed many tears along the way – plenty, in fact. This is what I shared on my social media platforms.
‘But it’s also the most rewarding, amazing thing I’ve ever done,’ Rebecca added.
Experiencing the privilege of learning a new skill from one of the greatest masters in the field, who also happens to be incredibly kind-hearted, is an unforgettable encounter I’ll cherish forever. Many thanks to you, Ian, and Dancing with the Stars.
‘More shows this week. Let’s gooo.’
2025’s lineup for Dancing With The Stars Australia promises to be one of its best seasons so far, and she has been added to the stellar cast that includes Osher Günsberg and Shaun Micallef.
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2025-06-14 12:48