BEAR GRYLLS

ADVENTURER BEAR GRYLLS ON FEELING LUCKY TO BE BACK WITH MORE A-LISTERS IN A SIXTH SERIES OF RUNNING WILD

Going on a heart-stopping adventure with the fearless Bear Grylls might sound like some people’s idea of hell, but the survival expert has had no shortage of stars signing up for his hit series, Running Wild With Bear Grylls.

Over the past few years, he has been joined by Hollywood A-listers including Zac Efron, Channing Tatum and Kate Winslet – and even former US President Barack Obama – as he pushes guests out of their comfort zone and gets them to open up about their lives.

And the sixth series has an equally stellar line-up, including Anthony Mackie – The Falcon in the Marvel films. We caught up with Bear, 46, who has sons Jesse, 17, Marmaduke, 15, and Huckleberry, 12, with wife Shara, 47, to chat about his experiences...

Hi, Bear. What can fans expect from the new series?

It’s a cool season. Season six – I never thought we’d do so many! But we’re getting better guests than ever and I feel very lucky.

Have you ever had a star who wouldn’t play ball?

Generally, we’re really lucky. We take inspirational figures and they have great, positive mindsets and attitudes. They’re there not because they need the money or the fame, but because they want the experience, so they come ready to face the wild.

You’re known for eating some pretty out-there things. What do you tuck into this time?

Eating rat with Anthony Mackie was pretty bad. And scorpions and snakes. I’ve learnt over the years that none of these things are going to be pleasant but you need the energy.

How do you keep in shape to film?

I train hard with our BMF [Be Military Fit] company. It’s all about training together as a community outside. Even through the pandemic, we would train every day online, outside. It’s a lot of body weights and we’re outside even if it’s bad weather.

We’re used to seeing you throw famous faces in at the deep end, but what makes you feel totally out of your comfort zone?

Life keeps me out of my comfort zone every day. I’m not one of those people who only do the easy things. That’s the great ethos the Royal Marines have. I’ve learned to not be afraid of going for things and pushing boundaries.

You’ve been joined by some amazing people. Do you ever pinch yourself when you’re watching the episodes?

I don’t watch the shows now. I gave up watching myself on TV about five years ago. I don’t enjoy it. But I’ve got three kids and they get super-enthusiastic about different people. Sometimes I think, “No one’s going to be interested in that one.” Then I hear Jesse say, “You’re going to film with him? No way! That guy’s the greatest legend.”

Would your younger self believe your job today?

My younger self would never believe it! He was shy, lacking in confidence. But I knew I loved adventure, something I could do that wasn’t dependent on skill, talent, exams or good looks. I owe so much to my late dad, who loved the outdoors. He introduced me to so much. He died young and that was a real loss but that spirit lives on.

What other projects would you love to do?

It was always a goal to do a movie and our Netflix interactive film, You Vs Wild, was great. We’ve got a second Netflix film out this year. But Running Wild is always special as it’s with incredible people. And we have one guest in the next few months that’s the biggest one yet.

Running Wild With Bear grylls begins on sunday at 7pm on national geographic