‘Wading around in rivers is more fun than you’d think’
Rick Edwards on learning Mandarin in lockdown and post-restriction plans
Rick Edwards admits lockdown has been “a bit blah”, but he’s recently been treated to a much-needed dose of the wild outdoors. Together, he and river detectorist Beau Ouimette enjoy a “fun old time”in the latest season of River Hunters as they scour the UK’s rivers for historical artefacts.
While the 41-year-old admits he’s no expert, he says he’s always up for learning more about British history and having a laugh with his American companion.“If you like history, scenery and camaraderie between a pair of idiots, then this is the show for you,” the TV presenter says.
Here, Rick lets us in on his unique friendship with Beau, reveals the lockdown hobby that’s been keeping him busy and tells us his plans for post-pandemic life…
Hi, Rick. Looks like you’ve been up to all sorts for the latest season of River Hunters, but how has lockdown been for you in general?
It’s been OK. I’m a bit fed up with all of it to be honest, as I imagine most people are.
What have you been up to?
I’ve been busy with filming. I disappeared for a bit to shoot River Hunters. Other than that I’ve been trying to learn Mandarin. I started in the first lockdown and I’ve managed to keep it up. I mean, I still can’t speak any! I try to do 10 minutes every day but my God it’s hard. I must be getting somewhere. I can sort of read a bit now and sometimes understand when I listen to other people speaking, but it’s very slow progress. I’m determined to keep it up though. It gives me a bit of structure in the mornings.
Were you excited to get back out there filming again?
Definitely. It’s been better this time around because we actually know what we’re doing. The first time you film a show you’re just having a go really. Whereas this time we really honed everything and got stuck in. Wading around in rivers is a lot more fun than you’d think. Especially when you’ve got this odd, bizarre pairing of me and Beau. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
Tell us a bit about that friendship…
It’s a funny relationship. We don’t have much in common and yet, for some reason, we hit it off. I spend a lot of time ribbing Beau and he, for the most part, enjoys it.
He’s such a strange, lovely little man. It was really nice to see him again.
Any funny moments that may or may not have made it into the final edit?
I got the giggles during the very first thing we shot for the series. We were clambering up a muddy hill but kept slipping back down. In the end we had to slide down on our bums which was really painful. It was only when we started sliding and couldn’t stop ourselves that I remembered I have a knee injury.
Did you get to use any new gadgets this season?
No, it’s all the same kit as before. It would be useful if Beau actually showed me how to use it properly. One of our detector gadgets has a feature that can measure depth, which is very useful, but Beau just forgot to mention that! I think we can all agree that I’m no expert in any of this. I’m just a goon. I’m just an average goon doing his best!
‘I’m just an average goon doing his best!’
Lastly, what’s the first thing you’re going to do when we’re all free from restrictions?
It sounds really simple, but I’ll probably just go over to my friend’s house and have some drinks. A few of my best mates all live in the same area of London and we’re used to spending loads of time together at each other’s places. We haven’t been able to do any of that and I’ve really missed it.
River Hunters is on Mondays, 9pm, on Sky History