BBC Survival Expert Shares Candid Details of Polyamorous Lifestyle
In an exclusive revelation, BBC survival expert Naomi Aldwyn-Allsworth has opened up about her polyamorous lifestyle, describing it as a source of "excitement, love and passion." The mum-of-one, who stars in Bear Grylls' BBC1 series Wild Reckoning, features in a new documentary titled Love without Limits: Polyamory and Me, where she defends her relationship choices and explains how she juggles multiple partners.
Managing Relationships and Family Life
Naomi, 30, lives in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with her long-term partner Chris and their seven-year-old son, Barnaby. She revealed that she and Chris decided she should have the freedom to see other women, which eventually expanded to include men. "Polyamory is very exciting," she said. "I am a mother and a partner but I always want adventures, in every part of my life. Every time I start a new relationship, I know there’s going to be lots of excitement, love and passion coming from it."
She emphasized that all her partners are aware of each other, and she makes her own rules. "I think the best relationships are those in which the traditional rules are broken. It’s what works for me," she added.
Complex Dynamics and Emotional Challenges
The documentary, available on BBC iPlayer, shows Naomi spending time with her new boyfriend Matt, who moved from California to be with her, before returning home to Chris and Barnaby. She is also part of a throuple with married couple Conor and Mollie, though she is currently only seeing Conor as Mollie focuses on their baby. Additionally, Naomi has a group of "like-minded girlfriends" with whom she shares friendship and intimacy.
Chris, while supportive, admitted the logistical challenges. "It’s easy to say there are different partners and there’s more love," he explained. "The reality is, logistically it can be horrific." Their relationship has become platonic, but Chris insists he is happy for Naomi. "With us, you can see that a new partner gives Naomi something very different to what I can give her. The fact we can go through that and still be happy for each other is beautiful," he said.
Family Concerns and Personal Reflections
Naomi acknowledged that jealousy and heartbreak are unavoidable. "Yes, jealousy happens – more than one heart is broken. But I’m not going to let something like that take my love life away. Ever," she declared. She also admitted that if Chris fell in love with another woman, it would be difficult for her, calling it hypocritical but acknowledging the potential impact on Barnaby and their family life.
Her son is her top priority, and she has introduced her relationships slowly to him. "Until last year, he’d never seen me kiss anyone who wasn’t his father," Naomi said. She explained that she has had conversations with Barnaby about her boyfriends, emphasizing love and openness.
Reactions and Self-Identity
When Naomi first shared her polyamorous plans with friends and family around a decade ago, they reacted with horror. "Their feelings were stronger than I expected," she recalled. "I’ve had to remind myself that they hadn’t had time to practise and educate themselves like me."
Her career as a survival expert, which involves travel to remote locations, provides an escape from the complexities of her lifestyle. "There are moments where I’m very glad that my career means I can ship off to an island for a month because I need to escape it more than anyone," she said.
Naomi admitted there is a selfish element to her choices but argued it is about being true to oneself. "I’ll admit there’s a kind of selfish element to it - but it’s about being true to yourself, being who you really are. Then if you’re fulfilled and happy, you can be kind and loving towards others," she explained.
Documentary Aims and Anticipated Backlash
The documentary aims to challenge the over-sexualized stigma around non-monogamy. "Sex is fun and important but it’s not just about that," Naomi said. "This is one of the reasons I wanted to do the documentary – to get away from that whole over-sexualised, negative stigma around non-monogamy. I’m actually very normal – apart from my career being a bit nuts."
She anticipates negativity online but remains committed to honesty. "It will be hard but I’ll deal with it," she shrugged. "The most important thing for me – apart from Barnaby – is that I’m completely honest and open. I don’t have secret affairs, I don’t hide stuff and cheat."
Love without Limits: Polyamory and Me is available on S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer, offering an intimate look into Naomi's unconventional yet heartfelt approach to love and relationships.
