PADDY: I’M TOP POSER!
New Top Gear host has acting lessons in secret
NEW Top Gear host Paddy McGuinness is having secret “posing” lessons to learn how to be natural in front of the camera.
The Take Me Out star, 45, landed the top job fronting the BBC Two motoring show last week.
But he is so scared of looking awkward on screen that he has signed up for modelling classes.
And he has even roped in wife Christine to help him relax when the cameras start rolling for the hit car show.
Paddy said: “Twenty years I have been in the TV game and I still can’t manage to pose decently. I just can’t do it.
“I don’t want my awkwardness to be a let-down. I’ll defo be getting some tips for it.”
The Bolton-born actor has wowed millions of viewers with his quirky catchphrases fronting dating show Take Me Out.
And he became a fan favourite for helping the glamorous girls on the ITV2 series find love.
The Phoenix Nights star fought off competition from a string of rival celebrities – including chef James Martin – to bag the Top Gear job.
He is taking over from former Friends star Matt LeBlanc, who has left the show after two years.
Paddy will present the show alongside Chris Harris and fellow new recruit, ex-cricketer Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff.
Speaking after he was unveiled as one of the programme’s new faces, Paddy said: “To be hosting a show I’ve watched and loved from being a small boy is beyond exciting.”
He added: “Top Gear fans worldwide are a passionate bunch and I consider myself one of them.
“Now let’s start up this Great British machine and see what it can do!”