As a new series of his escape-from-the-rat-race show, New Lives In The Wild, begins (9pm, Ch5), 47-year-old Ben shares his thoughts on his life and many adventures… IN HIS OWN WORDS: Ben Fogle

On why he’s addicted to travelling: ‘The assault on the senses. I love the colour, the noise, the smells, the tastes – everything has a richness. Bettering myself, too.

I think only by exploring outside of your realm of comfort and normality can you be objective on your outlook on life. I think it makes me better as a person and a better dad to my kids as well. I love coming back from my travels and telling them my stories.’

On his highs and lows as an adventurer: ‘Climbing Everest was the most exciting. There’s nothing as thrilling as being in the mountains; it’s humbling and terrifying in equal measure. The scariest moment was scuba diving with crocodiles… wild Nile crocodiles in Botswana.’

On his biggest fears: ‘Heights. I can stand on top of a mountain or a cliff, but I’m terrified of jumping off. Bungee, diving, parachuting, wingsuiting, skydiving – they all make my stomach turn. I have forced myself to skydive a few times, but I have a little ways to go.’

On the environment: ‘I’m acutely aware of the environment, but I’m far from perfect – I love Land Rovers and fly too much. I try to reduce my carbon footprint a little bit by travelling around London on my electric bike. A lot of people raise their eyebrows…’