IN HIS OWN WORDS: Simon Reeve

He’s travelled to more than 110 countries, and tonight, he continues his exploration of Russia (9pm, BBC2). Here’s what Simon has had to say about his life and career…

On trying to find work after failing to get

into university: ‘I went for a job as a van driver on Wembley Park trading estate. I was the only applicant, and they still turned me down.’

On breaking into print journalism:

‘I started as a post boy at 18. Then, I started doing research – and on to very important photocopying, picking up packages and gradually into online research and the giddy heights of cub reporter. It was my formative experience, though

I hear uni is lots more fun, more sex and things… certainly more than at The Sunday Times.’ On breaking into television:

‘I wrote a book on Al Qaeda that came out in 1998, and nobody took any notice… Then, 9/ 11 happened, and it became a bestseller. I went on the telly to talk about it, and that led to discussions with the BBC about making TV programmes.’

On one of the downsides of globetrotting:

‘Grilled squirrel and fried caterpillars are an occupational hazard.’

On staying grounded: ‘When I get home, I fit back pretty well into normal life. I remember coming back from travelling, and the first thing I had to do was rod out our blocked sewers.’ On his hair: ‘My wife tells me my hair is all I’ve got. I know when it’s got too long as people confuse me with Brian Cox – a couple of times, I haven’t corrected them.’