FATHERHOOD
VENOMOUS snakes, scorpions and Strictly Come dancing judges – Steve Backshall has come face to face with the deadliest creatures on the planet during his TV expeditions.
But nothing could prepare him for the biggest adventure of his life as father to newborn son Logan with his double Olympic gold-winning wife Helen Glover.
A touching recent picture on social media shows Steve – a star guest at last night’s Daily Mirror Animal Hero Awards – tenderly holding his newborn son’s foot, almost the same size as his dad’s weathered thumb.
“I am yet to find how life will change now I have become a dad, because Logan is only six weeks old,” he says.
“At present, it’s really not changed that much but it will, that’s for sure – I have no doubt about that.”
Steve has been married to Helen – whom he affectionately nicknames Hels – for two years. But he has only now begun to feel pangs of longing for home while away on his exploits.
“I certainly think about home more now,” he says. “I especially did on the last trip which was my first expedition since having Logan. I was more homesick than I’ve ever been before. It’s very different.
“Until now, when I was away on expeditions I was completely immersed in the activities, completely immersed in the country I’m in, and I guess I put home aside. It was very much a secondary consideration. Now it’s there at the front of my mind.”
Last night Steve was firmly back on home ground at London’s Grosvenor House, to celebrate the awards devoted to bravery and resilience in animals.
The Mirror joined with innovative pet food, treats and toys brand, Webbox and the RSPCA to produce the awards.
Hosted by Britain’s Got Talent’s Amanda Holden, VIP guests included Ashley Roberts, Virginia McKenna, Nicky Campbell, Laura Whitmore and Bake Off champion Candice Brown.
After taking the Outstanding Contribution Award, action man Steve is still gushing about Logan. He says: “It’s been amazing. It’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful. I am so excited to be a dad and he is just the most beautiful little baby.”
The TV star says the birth in July came at a difficult time for him, as he has spent most of this year filming abroad for his new BBC show Expedition.
“There are still dark and forgotten corners of our world with hidden secrets and we plan to reveal them,” says Steve.
The 45 year-old Bafta-winner has most recently been filming in the desert in Oman and is about to jet off to the South American jungle for his 10 hour-long episodes of Expedition.
“It’s very difficult being away on lots and lots of expeditions back-to-back, I probably wouldn’t have chosen this year for that,” he admits. “But you’ve got to take your opportunities where they come.
“I’m going out in the first few months of Logan’s life which is kind of sad. But, at the same time, when I am back I make sure I get as much quality time with him and Hels as possible.”
Helen, 32, and Logan will also be joining Steve on some of his escapades throughout the year, and Logan has
The awards are massive for us. We’re lifelong animal lovers STEVE ON THE COUPLE’S PASSION FOR OUR EVENT