Meet Colleen O’Leary, a 49-year-old mother-of-two from Port Talbot, whose life took a dramatic turn after appearing on ITV’s The Summit. After losing her job as a casting operator at TATA Steel in 2024, along with thousands of others, Colleen was struggling to find her feet. But she wasn’t ready to give up.
The Summit brought a glimmer of hope at a time when things seemed bleak for Colleen. Facing a daunting mountain climb in New Zealand, she found herself among 14 daring participants competing for a slice of a £200,000 prize. Despite initial doubts about her abilities, Colleen was determined to prove her strength and resilience both to herself and the world.
Reflecting on her journey during a recent episode, she shared, “I’m definitely a true Port Talbot girl. I’m strong-willed, powerful, determined. I can turn my hand to anything.” From being a casting operator— the only female in that role— to a firefighter and gym owner, her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Colleen’s participation in The Summit wasn’t just about physical challenges; it was a much-needed emotional comeback. “I lost myself, and the show made me realise just how much I can do,” she admitted. Standing atop one of New Zealand’s breathtaking peaks, she marvelled, “How the hell did I get here?”
In a twist of fate, losing her job opened new doors, introducing her to an adventure beyond her wildest dreams, showing that sometimes life’s detours lead us to our most incredible achievements. Don’t miss it, catch The Summit on ITV1 and ITVX!