‘I’ve died show won maki

The travel presenter’s life has been in jeopardy on a number of occasions over the years.

But when international travel is possible, he’s ready to risk it all again.

He said: “There have been moments of extreme danger where I’ve been terrified and thought, ‘Holy s**t, we have gone too far.’

“I walked into a drug den in South Africa, I accidentally walked into a minefield in the former Soviet Union, and I ended up in frontline combat in Somalia.

“There have been times when I’ve had bullets landing far too close for comfort. Those situations were scary. I was unlucky, but also pretty stupid.

“I’ve also helped catch crocodiles and had some near misses with snakes

BOLD: Simon says danger is worth the rewards in Australia. And I was once having a dump in the Kalahari Desert when I suddenly saw what was probably a pack of lions. It was a totally terrifying moment.

“But even after all of that, I don’t regret going anywhere or doing anything. There is a value in me being there and filming it.

“It makes programmes that are watchable and it pays the mortgage, so I think the risk is worth the reward. I am addicted to these journeys. It would be quite hard to stop.”

Simon’s wife Anya is just as fearless and has worked as a camerawoman on many of his shows.

He added: “My wife is very calm and rational about things. She has been in some dangerous situations herself.

“It’s my mum that worries about me most. But then she even worries when I go out without a jumper on.

“She’s come to terms with me doing this job. I think her pacemaker helps. Thankfully, dangerous moments are few and far between.

“The world is fundamentally a safe and welcoming place. I really believe that.” Simon has visited more than 100 countries and fronted 25 hit shows since starting his career in telly 18 years ago.

Even after all his success, the 48-year-old still fears it could all end tomorrow.

His humble upbringing means he continues to appreciate every second of life on the road.

Simon said: “I don’t come from a wealthy family. I flunked school and I