£1,000 a day, drunk celebrities and fighting pirates: What it's really like being a bodyguard

My clients fall into one of several categories.

1. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) and their families, those who require discreet yet comprehensive security for their homes, travel, and daily lives.

2. Celebrities, often dealing with stalkers, intrusive paparazzi, or even death threats.

3. Corporate executives in high-risk areas. Or businesses and staff in hostile environments.

4. Professional athletes. Many seek security for themselves or their homes, especially when dealing with obsessive fans or potential break-ins.

5. Wealthy tourists - those travelling to high-crime locations who want an added layer of security.

95% of it is sheer monotony and endless waiting... It's also physically and mentally demanding. And the freelance nature means income isn't always steady.

Success often depends on recognising the absence of the normal and the presence of the abnormal... Being able to anticipate threats before they arise is crucial. This includes avoiding predictable routines, reading the environment, and understanding subtle changes in people's demeanour. Strong communication skills, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are also essential.

Some clients refuse to follow advice... The worst cases involve clients who get drunk, aggressive or recklessly put themselves in danger. One of my most difficult experiences was looking after a Bollywood actor in Manchester overnight. He was extremely drunk, rude to women and nearly got into a fight with the venue's doormen. My role wasn't to babysit him, and I wasn't comfortable with the way he behaved. After that job, I refused to work for the company again.

Building a good reputation is key... Some full-time corporate positions exist, but most CPOs work on short-term contracts. Recruitment is all about word of mouth and networking.

Job interviews are more practical than sit-down interviews... Candidates may be tested on: how they handle hostile situations, their ability to escort a client safely, first aid skills, fitness tests and security route planning.

Hours are often long and unpredictable, sometimes ranging from 12 to 16 hours a day... The job is mostly about being on call or waiting for your client. Your tasks could include: escorting a high-profile client to meetings, conducting security advance sweeps of venues and restaurants to check for threats and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Managing vehicle arrangements if you're mobile, always knowing their locations in case of an emergency. Your client might enjoy skiing so you would need to be able to ski.

There are two classic routes into the job... military or law enforcement. It's a well-trodden path - get some tactical experience, learn how to keep your head on a swivel and then transition into the private sector, swapping a uniform for a suit and an earpiece.

I was a Butlins Redcoat... then, fate intervened in the form of a poorly timed groin kick from a teenager who underestimated the combat capabilities of a man in a bear suit. Unfortunately, Butlins security was not as understanding as one might hope and thus ended the promising career of Billy the Bear. From there, I took the logical next step - joining the military.

I was assigned to protect a camera crew who were adamant on filming the riots in Salford during the UK riots in 2011... At one point, three men in hoodies spotted the camera and moved in. One of them attempted to attack the cameraman, but I had been blending in, also wearing a hoodie, standing right next to him. At the last moment, I shouted for the cameraman to run to a pre-arranged rendezvous where our safety car was parked. The aggressor didn't see me until it was too late - I launched him over a hedge and ran behind the cameraman to ensure he got away safely.

Read more
What it's really like living on a canal boat - and how much it costs
'Common error' could leave thousands of women out of pocket in pensions

I experienced an attempted hijacking in the middle of the Indian Ocean... and it was one of the most stressful - yet rewarding - situations I've faced. We were providing armed security on a ship. A pirate skiff was following in the wake of our ship, trying to remain hidden among the waves, but we spotted them. After firing warning shots, they halted their approach but fired back. However, by that point, the job was done - my colleague and I had successfully prevented the hijacking. That experience was both intense and incredibly rewarding.

The best perks... for some CPOs are travelling to exotic locations, being around high-end vehicles, and staying in some of the world's most luxurious hotels.

I am bound by strict non-disclosure agreements... and ethical standards to protect the privacy of my clients.

It's not about being expected to take a bullet... it's about proactive protection, strategic planning, and maintaining a secure environment. That said, I am fully committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure my client's safety, including putting myself in harm's way.

Striking a good work-life balance is... difficult. The long hours, last-minute jobs, and travel make work-life balance tough. Many CPOs struggle with family time and relationships.

Entry-level CPOs in the UK can expect to earn... around £150-£250 a day (£40,000-£50,000 a year). Experienced CPOs can earn between £250-£450 a day (£60,000-£100,000 a year). High-end roles (for ultra-high-net-worth individuals or celebrities) can sometimes pay £1,000+ a day (£150,000+ a year). Overseas roles (especially in hostile environments) used to pay significantly more, sometimes £500- £1,000 a day, but this is rare in this climate.

(c) Sky News 2025: £1,000 a day, drunk celebrities and fighting pirates: What it's really like being a bodyguard