Reality TV injury wrecked my career, says Crimewatch’s Rav
FORMER Crimewatch presenter Rav Wilding is suing a production company after he suffered a “lifechanging” injury while training for the reality show Splash!
The former soldier, 38, says he struggles to find work as he can no longer take on “action-packed” roles after snapping a tendon during pre-show practice in 2013.
Rav was attempting a somersault dive – performing a complete turn in the air and landing feet-first – when his left leg hit the water in a stretched out position and his hamstrings tendon ruptured.
He was forced to pull out of the ITV show, hosted by Olympic diving bronze medallist Tom Daley.
He has been left with one leg shorter than the other, cannot walk or stand without significant pain and has been told he will never be able to run or play rugby again.
Recalling the moment of injury, Rav, who presented the longrunning BBC crime show from 2004 to 2011, said yesterday: “I heard a popping noise, followed by an intense wave of acute pain.
“When I had surgery, they had to cut the full length of my leg down to the knee to locate and reattach the tendon. I’m still in pain every day.
“I used to play rugby every week, go running, and having been in the Army and a police officer in the past my fitness was pretty high.
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“I used to get active jobs based on my fitness, but now I can’t do those things the opportunities aren’t really there any more.”
Rav’s injury, which happened on only his third training session, also forced him to cancel his wedding to partner Jill Morgan. The couple put their shared home on the market earlier this month.
Lauren Hurney, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell which is representing him against production company TwoFour, said: “Every employee, no matter what their job, has the right to work in a safe environment.
“Sadly Rav appears to have been let down.
“During his training for Splash! he has been left with a life-changing injury which has already had a profound effect on his career, relationship and finances.”
TwoFour was last night unavailable for comment