Channel 4 property show presenter Danni Menzies has given a remarkably candid insight into the severe financial difficulties she faced before finding fame on television. The 37-year-old star of A Place in the Sun admitted there was a time when she could barely afford to pay for food and rent, revealing the stark reality behind her now-successful career.
From Debt and Despair to a Life-Changing Break
Menzies, who joined the popular Channel 4 programme in 2016, recently took part in a social media trend reflecting on the past decade. In a lengthy and heartfelt Instagram post to her 135,000 followers, she shared a series of throwback photos and described 2016 as a pivotal turning point.
"I'd been building for years without really feeling like I was getting anywhere," Menzies wrote. She disclosed that she had run up significant debts and faced a particularly difficult personal event at the end of 2015. The situation became so tough that she was on the verge of giving up and returning home.
"Then just like that, everything started landing," she explained. "Which felt pretty incredible considering I could hardly afford to eat nor pay my rent the previous year." Her big break came with her role on A Place in the Sun, a job she described as "huge" and one that "took me all over the world!".
A Cascade of Opportunities and a Message of Hope
Following her initial success, further opportunities arose. Menzies secured work on the motoring show Car & Country and was flown out to Salzburg several times by Red Bull, who were testing her for a potential new programme. She also landed features in Women's Health Magazine, interviewed the band All Saints, and presented on Hoxton Radio.
The television personality also attempted to launch her own dating app focused on shared experiences, though the venture was ultimately derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Reflecting on the last ten years, Menzies acknowledged it had not been a smooth journey, citing both the pandemic and a serious accident that altered her career trajectory.
However, she struck an optimistic note for the future. "Suddenly though the change is here, there are some big irons in the fire for 2026 and I'm so excited to see what lands," she shared. "If it's anything like 2016, it's going to be a blast!"
Inspiring Fans with Her 'Delusional' Advice
Menzies concluded her post with a powerful message of encouragement for anyone facing tough times. She urged them to "trust the journey," revealing she had nearly given up on multiple occasions. Her key piece of advice was to "be delusional"—to ignore the naysayers and never surrender to doubt.
Her openness resonated deeply with fans, who flooded the comments with support and praise. One follower called her an "inspiration," while another wrote: "Love reading your story- many bits i didn’t know. Well done, it’s not easy but keeping at it and believing are huge strengths." A third supporter added: "So pleased it's all turning round for you now, amazing and inspirational."
A Place in the Sun continues to be available for viewers on Channel 4.
