SAS Australia’s Ant Middleton reveals the terrifying moment that made him quit drinking

He’s the epitome of toughness on screen, but now SAS Australia’s hard-edged DS chief inspector Ant Middleton has bared his soul in a candid new interview.

I’ll keep talking The Matt Haycox Show Podcast This week, Ant, 43, delved into personal stories ranging from his time in the military to a stint in prison to the emotionally charged moment he cried for the last time.

A poignant revelation was the shocking incident that made him rethink his relationship with alcohol.

Ant explained the military’s pervasive drinking culture and recounted the heartbreaking moment he decided to quit alcohol.

Recalling a particularly dark day, he said: “There was a moment when I was at a funeral and I was burying a friend who had died. ‘I was so drunk that I asked where he was.’

SAS Australia DS Chief Inspector Ant Middleton bared his soul in a candid new interview

On The Matt Haycox Show podcast, Ant, 43, delved into personal stories ranging from his time in the military to a stint in prison to the emotionally charged moment he cried for the last time

“I didn’t even know I was at his funeral. “That moment was such a reality check that alcohol took over here,” he added.

“From then on I knew I had to reduce my alcohol consumption.”

Not only did he speak openly about his personal problems, but he also paid tribute to his steadfast support, his wife Emilie.

He celebrated nearly two decades of marital bliss and acknowledged her tireless support during the most turbulent periods of his life.

Explaining the military’s pervasive drinking culture, Ant recounted the heartbreaking moment he decided to cut down on alcohol consumption

Recalling a particularly dark day, he said: “There was a moment when I was at a funeral and I was burying a friend who had died.” I was so drunk that I asked where he was

Revealing another glimpse into his personal life, Ant described a touching moment from 2022 when he climbed the world’s second highest peak, K2.

During the treacherous climb, an encounter with a fellow climber triggered an overwhelming emotional outburst.

“I was probably halfway up and it’s so steep… She looked at me and said, ‘It’s beautiful up there and you’re almost there.'” She looked at my stomach and read hers [his family’s] Names perfect. She said, “They’re going to be very proud of you when you stand on that peak,” Middleton recalled.

“She didn’t have to stop saying that, but I was an emotional wreck. “I just sank to my knees for a second and started crying… That was the last time I shed a tear.”

Not only did he speak openly about his personal problems, but he also paid tribute to his steadfast support, his wife Emilie. Both pictured