The Jump, Interviews with the competitors: The men

26 January 2015

 

NAME: DOM ‘THE ARCTIC FOX’ PARKER

AGE: 49

FROM: SANDWICH, KENT

FAMOUS FOR: BEING ONE HALF OF ‘THE POSH COUPLE’ ON GOGGLEBOX, HIS QUICK WITTED OBSERVATIONS OF NATIONAL TV AND FOR ALWAYS HAVING AN ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE IN HIS HAND

 

What was it that made you want to take part in The Jump?

Quite simply, six-and-a-half weeks of skiing out in Austria. Superb! My sister lives out there, about an hour-and-a-half from Innsbruck, and I try and go out there every Easter to ski. So someone said “Do you want to go skiing for six weeks?” “Too bloody right.” And have Channel 4 pay for it? Even better still. And to get a bit fit, because I’m not very fit. So I’m looking forward to a bit of that. Not too much, though…

 

So you have a reasonable amount of experience skiing?

Yeah, I’ve skied on and off since I was five years old. None of the rest. I’ve done ice skating and skiing, but I’m quite keen to have a go at the rest of it. It’s quite exciting – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be trained up to do this stuff.

 

What events are you most looking forward to? Are there any that you’re dreading?

Naturally I’m a bit nervous about the actual jump itself. I’m a bit wary of bobsleigh. I’ve got it in my head that if I get that one wrong there’s a good chance I could just shoot out of that course like a bullet, and end up in a car park somewhere. I’m sure it’s not possible, but that scares me a little bit. But at the same time I’m really excited to do that – it’s the sort of thing I’ve always wanted to do, but probably would never have had the balls to actually make it happen. But now I’m sort of being forced.

 

Do you have a competitive nature? Are you hoping to win it, or just there for the experience?

I’m not expecting to win, probably because I’m a bit old and a bit fat. But there’s a part of me, deep down, thinking “If I’m going to do it, I’d like to be the winner.” But I’m not going to be poisoning everyone’s breakfasts or anything like that.

 

Have you ever met any of this year’s contestants before?

JLS came down to us and did a photo shoot for a Walkers Crisps advert a couple of years ago at my house. They were an absolutely charming bunch. There’s a fabulous photograph of my daughter with them. She looks a little bit like a tiny Jesus, in her pyjamas with wet hair.

 

What does Steph think about you doing all of this?

She thinks it’s great. She’s delighted for me, because she knows I love skiing, and she’s not a great fan of it. I don’t think she’d be too thrilled if it were her, but then she’d have said no straightaway. But she’s delighted that I’m going to go and spend my time doing something I love.

 

So is she going to be left holding the fort back home?

She’ll be holding the fort, but she’s already gagging to come out and enjoy the bit that she likes. She loves to do it all except actually ski. She’s a big fan of the après ski.

 

So she’ll be out there supporting you?

Oh yes, definitely. Absolutely.

 

NAME: JB ‘G FORCE’ GILL

AGE: 28

FROM: CROYDON, UK

FAMOUS FOR: BEING ONE QUARTER OF THE AWARD WINNING BOYBAND, JLS

 

Why did you decide to say yes to taking part in The Jump?

Some might say that I’m a bit of a thrill-seeker. I don’t think I’m actively that way inclined, but I do enjoy outdoor pursuits of the hair-raising, exciting kind. I’m a scuba diver, I’ve done sky diving before. I went skiing for the first time in March, and I loved it. So when my manager got in touch and said “They’re doing casting for The Jump, would you be interested?” I was really interested.

 

So you went skiing last March – is that your only experience of winter sports?

Yeah. Being from the Caribbean doesn’t really lend itself to an affinity with winter sports, but I love it. I’m one of those people who likes to have as many experiences as possible. I like to go and visit new places. I’ve never been to Austria before. It’s nice to notch up another country, and learn new skills at the same time, disciplines that most people don’t get a chance to learn.

 

What events are you most looking forward to? Are there any you are dreading?

I think I’m most looking forward to the ski cross. Once I can get the level of skiing necessary under my belt, me being a typical boy, I’m going to be ready to go and race. I’m also looking forward to learning how to snowboard, although I don’t think I’ll be that good at racing on a snowboard. I guess on the flipside, I’m least looking forward to the skeleton. I’m going to want to push myself. And I don’t particularly feel very comfortable pushing myself lying on a tray.

 

You say you’re quite competitive. Are you going into this to win?

I would say, if it was something I’d done a lot before and had a bit of talent in, I’d definitely be going out to win it. But I’ve only done a week of skiing in my life, so I really don’t know. I’m definitely going to give it my best shot. I’m going to enjoy it, I’m going to push myself, I’m going to work as hard as I possibly can, and hopefully, maybe that might be enough to win it. And if it’s not, it’ll be an incredible experience.

 

Have you spoken to anyone who took part in The Jump last year?

I’m really good friends with Kimberley Wyatt, who did it last year. I spoke to her about it, and she told me how good it was. She said I’d really enjoy it and I’d pick up some good skills. It’s right up my street. I didn’t ask her too much, because I wanted to find out for myself, but she said she’d had as brilliant time and she really recommended that I do it.

 

How do you think you’ll feel when you’re faced with the jump for the first time?

I think there’s obviously going to be an element of nerves there. It depends how training goes. I’m apprehensive, because I don’t know what the feeling’s going to be like. I’ll have to just take it as it comes.

 

Away from The Jump, you’re a farmer now.

Yeah, amongst other things. Trying to fit it all in isn’t easy. It’s quite involved and quite full on, but it’s really, really exciting. It’s a new chapter in my life, and something that I’m really relishing. It’s kept me in decent shape to come and do this. All that lifting and pulling and pushing.

 

And really early mornings?

Not super early. I’ve got pigs, and they stay outside. There’s not too much bringing in or turning out. The turkeys are pretty straightforward too. There are a couple of hours at either end of the day.

 

You’ve also got early starts now that you’re a dad…

Yeah, but we’re so blessed. He’ll go down about 11pm and he’s up at about 7am. Can you believe it? He’s brilliant, he’s such a joy. It’s an incredible time in my life. I’m really going to miss them. We’re just working out the dates of when my wife Chloe can come out with him. They’ll come out a couple of times during training, and be there for the live shows as well.

 

NAME: JOEY ‘FAR FROM’ ESSEX

AGE: 24

FROM: ESSEX, UK

BEST KNOWN AS: TV PERSONALITY, STAR OF TOWIE AND FOR HIS FAMOUS USE OF THE WORD ‘REEM’

 

What was it that made you want to take part in The Jump?

The reason I said yes to it was because I’ve never been snowboarding and skiing, and for the last two or three years I’ve heard a lot of people talking about it. Some of my mates have done it, and people say it’s so good. I like ice skating, but you can do that in Essex. You can’t go down a properly massive hill unless you go to Austria or somewhere. So I think I’m going to go, I’m going to get taught all of these skills by professionals, and it’ll give me a massive lesson, and I’ll basically be a pro by the end of it. I learn quite quickly at things, and I’m quite a risk-taker. I like a bit of adrenaline, and I like competition.

 

What events are you most looking forward to? Are there any that you’re really dreading?

The skeleton, I think, will be good fun. I like things like that. Even as a little kid, on slides, I’d always try and go down face first. I was dreading the bobsleigh, but then someone told me there’s someone in front driving it, so I’m not really worried about that at all. I’ll love that. I don’t think I’m dreading any of it, really.

 

Are you competitive? Will you be going out to win it?

I’d like to say yes, and I am competitive, but I know who’s in there. That nutter Steve-O is in there. I’m a risk taker, but wow, he’s the biggest risk taker in the world. I’m not in it to win it, I’m in it to enjoy the experience, be taught how to do all these different things, and have a really good time. It would be amazing to win, but that’s not why I’m there.

 

Have you met any of the celebs taking part this year?

I know Ashley. We’re good friends. I’ve met Louise Thompson briefly – she seems like a nice girl. I’ve heard there are a few sorts going in! There are so many single women in this one – what’s going on? And not that many single men. I’m thinking out for a few drinks, a bit of a chat, back to the hotel watch a few films together!

 

Is there anyone you particularly want to beat?

I think I’m going to be quite competitive with Steve-O. I reckon I’ll really get on with him. He’s obviously a complete joker, and he’ll be really up for it. I think it’ll be a bromance.

 

What are you looking forward to about going to Austria?

I want to see what it’s like, training, being in a ski resort, it’s going to be an amazing experience. I’ve never been before, but I’ve heard there’s bars there as well. There’s a load to do, there’s apparently restaurants there, and I’m surrounded by single girls. It shouldn’t be too bad, should it?

 

NAME: JON-ALLAN ‘THE BULLET’ BUTTERWORTH

AGE: 28

FROM: BIRMINGHAM, UK

BEST KNOWN AS: BRITISH PARALYMPIC CYCLING SILVER MEDAL WINNER AT THE LONDON 2012 PARALYMPIC GAMES

 

What was it that made you say yes to taking part in The Jump?

I didn’t take much persuading. It’s all about the events for me. Doing something like the skeleton, or the bobsleigh, is unique. You can’t just book yourself a session on holiday. And I do like skiing and snowboarding, I’ve done them in the past. And this is an opportunity to get taught by some amazing instructors.

 

Have you got a competitive nature?

[Smiles] Maybe… maybe. It’s a competition, after all. I won’t be happy unless I’ve won. I know there will be quite a few people who are quite competent skiers. I think I’m the most proficient snowboarder, which doesn’t mean a lot. And there are loads of events that no-one has ever done, so it’ll be a level playing field. But it’ll be hard not to treat it as a competition, like any other sporting event.

So how much skiing have you done?

I did it with the army. It was after I lost my arm. We went to Bavaria and learned to ski – there was a bit of Alpine Skiing, but it was mainly touring, where you’ve got the bindings that you can unclip, so you can walk up hills and traverse. We learned a bit of avalanche training and digging snow holes, and all the army stuff to go with the normal skiing aspects. We did it for two weeks, and I got to reasonable quality – I was doing black runs. I learned quite quickly. But I still had the odd tumble on the runs. I generally go as hard as I possibly can, I ski beyond my limits all the time, so I don’t tend to get down the hill safely.

 

What events are you looking forward to? Are there any that you’re dreading?

I’m looking forward to the Skeleton and the Bobsleigh – they’re so unique and different, and a thrill. I love the speed. There’s nothing that I’m dreading, I think it’s all going to be quite good fun.

 

How do you think you’ll feel when you’re faced with The Jump for the first time?

I think it will be a nervous time. Anything that you’ve ever done before is nerve-wracking. Even just the basic skiing, with the cameras on you, will be nerve-wracking. You don’t want to fall, but obviously you will. But as soon as you’ve got a few falls out of the way, you’re not bothered by it. But yeah, I think you’ll probably be nervous every time you do the jump. But nervousness is good, it gives you the edge. Every cycle race I do I’m nervous, but it doesn’t mean you can’t perform.

 

Looking ahead, you’ve got the Paralympics in Rio in a couple of years. What are your targets?

I got three silvers in London, and two of them were really, really close. All I want is one gold.

 

NAME: LOUIE ‘SNOW QUEEN’ SPENCE

AGE: 45

FROM: LONDON, UK

BEST KNOWN AS: DANCER AND TV PERSONALITY

 

What was it that made you say yes to taking part in The Jump?

One, I think it’s because I’ve never ever done anything like this, because of dancing. There’s such a fear of injuring yourself that you just don’t do stuff like skiing. I think I’ve reached the age now where I’m not a dancer any more, as such – I still do a bit – and it just looks really exciting. But apart from that, you get to learn something which I’d never have otherwise done. I’d never have thought about going skiing, or any of the other things.

 

Do you have any experience of winter sports?

None whatsoever. Not even ice skating, darling. Even though I was a judge on Dancing on Ice, I was the dance judge, so it wasn’t about the ice skating. I used to slide down the hill on a tray on the council estate when it snowed. That’s as close as we got to winter sports.

What events are you most looking forward to, and what are you dreading?

I’m actually not dreading anything. I like a challenge, and I like to learn new things. There’s that speed to it as well, which is great – I’m quite a thrill seeker. But I really want to make sure, when I learn the skiing, that I get to grips with all the technical aspects to it. I understand how dangerous it is, and want to have fun with it, but I want to take note of what they say about how to stop and things. It’s a bit like dancing, if you’ve got good technique then you’ll be okay.

Are you competitive? How seriously will you take it?

Oh God, I’m so competitive. With a dancing background, you’re always in competition with someone. It would be great to win, but if you don’t, what a great opportunity to do something I’d never ever have had the opportunity to do. it would be great to win. I just have to see who I need to take out!

 

How do you think you’ll feel when you’re finally faced with the jump?

As for the jump, that bit I don’t find frightening at all. I’ve done a lot of acrobatics and gymnastics, so for me, having that feeling of flying through the air isn’t an unfamiliar one. Obviously I don’t know what it’s like to go down the slope and fly off the end with skis strapped to your feet, but I that suspension in the air I am familiar with. Whether or not I go down the biggest one, that’s a whole other thing.

 

And most importantly, have they allowed you to design your own lycra?

Not quite. When I went for the interview, I did want to make sure we were wearing lycra – that IS something I do feel comfortable in – I didn’t want to be going down the slope in some velour onesie. But I think the colour they’ve chosen for me is pink. Why, I do not know. I think there will be a hint of pink and maybe a bit of a sparkle.

 

NAME: MIKE ‘THE MISSILE’ TINDALL

AGE: 36

FROM: OTLEY, YORKSHIRE, UK

BEST KNOWN AS: FORMER ENGLAND RUGBY TEAM CAPTAIN

 

What made you say yes to taking part in The Jump?

The fact that I watched it last year and loved it, and pretty much said then that it would be one of the only TV shows I’d do. And the other reason is, I love skiing. I haven’t been able to ski for so long, with rugby getting in the way. Since I stopped playing internationally, I’ve been three times in the last two years and loved it. So I loved the idea of being able to go out and get better at skiing. Getting that sort of high-end tutorage while we’re out there will be amazing. Plus there’s an element of competition, which I don’t get that often anymore.

 

So did you ski when you were younger, before you turned pro at rugby?

Yeah. When I was at school I did the school ski trips and everything. I didn’t really go with my mum and dad, it was always school, because ski trips were such good fun, hanging out with your mates and skiing with them. But as soon as I left school I turned pro, and so didn’t go for sixteen years.

 

Did you pick it up again quite quickly when you went back to it?

I picked it up faster than I thought I would. It came back a lot quicker. But I think being a sportsman who gets knocked around a bit means your balance isn’t too bad. And I have quite strong legs so that will probably help too.

 

What events are you most looking forward to? Are there any that you’re dreading?

I think I’ll really like the things where you’re actually competing live against other people, on the course at the same time. Stuff like ski cross. I’ll really enjoy that. I’m quite looking forward to skeleton bobsleigh as well. I know Amy [Williams] quite well, so I always wanted to do that. There’s nothing I’m really not looking forward to. I’ll pretty much try and enjoy everything.

 

Will you go into this with a really competitive mind-set? Are you in it to win, or is it just an experience for you?

No, I think with this one I’ll probably be looking to win. But at the same time, it won’t be my sole focus. I’m competitive with myself – a lot of the events are solo anyway, and you just do as well as you can do. But I know I’ll be eyeing up who’s good at what, and figure out what I need to do to beat them.

 

Do you have any suspicions about who your serious rivals are going to be?

I’m in no way worried about Tuffers whatsoever! But, saying that, last time we had a competition, he beat me. That was at darts. It probably wasn’t him – the fact that he was playing with Raymond van Barneveld probably played a part. I’d like an environment where everyone’s trying to get better. There’s competition when it comes to game day, but I hope there’s good craic at the same time. Good après ski.

 

Have you spoken to anyone who was on The Jump last year?

I spoke to Sir Steve Redgrave and asked him whether it was a good thing to do. Did he enjoy it? And he said “Yeah, I really enjoyed it. Do it. I’ve got nothing bad to say about it.” If a five-time Olympic gold-medallist tells you that, you’re in a pretty safe place.

 

Do you think you’ll do the biggest jump?

Without a doubt I will do the biggest one. I would be devastated if I came away and I hadn’t done the biggest one. I wouldn’t be able to go and look my baby daughter in the eye.

NAME: PHIL ‘THE SNOW CAT’ TUFNELL

AGE: 48          

FROM: LONDON, UK

BEST KNOWN AS: FORMER ENGLAND CRICKETER AND TV PERSONALITY

 

What was it that made you say yes to taking part in The Jump?

Well, I want to learn how to ski nicely. I’ve been a couple of times, and got to a pretty basic level, and so they said “Do you want to come along?” and I thought “What a great opportunity to learn how to ski a bit.” And also I quite like things that are a bit of a challenge – you know, the luge [sic], the ski jump. When am I ever going to get the chance to do that again? What a great idea! Plus, a little bit of après ski. Lovely!

 

So what’s the extent of your winter sport experience?

Well, obviously being a cricketer for 20-odd years, they don’t like you doing things like that, in case you come back with a broken leg or something. But I’m pretty co-ordinated. So I’m looking forward to going and just trying to get a bit better. In cricket, when it got a bit cold and rainy, we all went off and played cards. I’m a bit more used to sitting around swimming pools.

 

What events are you looking forward to trying? Are there any that you are really dreading?

Well… what are they? [Conversation ensues]. Well, I think the bobsleigh and the skeleton should be quite exciting. What a great opportunity to do something you would only ever get to watch on the TV. It looks a little bit hairy, but I like things that are a bit like that. I’m also excited about being taught by people who are at the top of their game. What an opportunity that is!

 

Are you competitive?

Listen, I’m sure the competitive juices will come back. But I’m also sure there are a hell of a lot better skiers than me. So I’m going to go over there, I’m going to throw myself at it, literally, and enjoy it, and see what happens. I know I’m not a great skier, but I’m going to try and get as good as I can, have a good time, and throw myself at it enthusiastically and see what happens.

 

Have you spoken to anyone who was on The Jump last year?

I did. I saw Goughie, and he went “Oh great, you’ll have a great time.” Although he did say “It’s a little bit dangerous.” And then he walked off, and I was left there going “Eh? What did he mean by that?”

 

Have you met any of the other guys taking part before?

I’ve met Louie. I saw him today [shooting the promo], but I’ve also met him before. I know Mike Tindall, of course, he’s a mate. He’s good at everything, I bet he’ll be good. Louise Hazell has been on A Question of Sport. I’m really excited to meet Dom from Gogglebox. I love those two, they’re my favourites. He’s always sitting there with a cocktail, then a scotch, then a glass of wine. He looks great fun.

 

How do you think you’ll feel when you’re faced with the jump itself for the first time?

I reckon it’ll be a bit like the top board at the swimming pool, where you think “Oh yeah, we’ll do that,” and then you get up there and it suddenly looks very different, and you think “Oh, shit!” But there will come a time when I have to throw myself off the edge. And so I will do that, and hopefully land.

 

 

NAME: STEVE ‘GERONIMO’ O

AGE: 40

FROM: BORN IN LONDON, UK, LIVES IN USA

BEST KNOWN AS: STUNT PERFORMER IN THE TV SERIES JACKASS, COMEDIAN AND ACTOR AND GENERAL DAREDEVIL

 

What was it that made you say yes to taking part in The Jump?

I’m not bullshitting you here, this is absolutely true. I recently made a conscious decision to take time out to do some skiing this winter, and perhaps even learn how to snowboard. And it seemed like at some point in the next couple of days the phone rang, and a voice said “How would you like to get paid to go on a skiing vacation to Austria?” And I was like “Yeah! Fuck yeah!” And, if you want the Lord’s honest truth, my first thought was “Man, is that the greatest career move?” Y’know? In America it’s a little bit frowned upon to do reality contest shows like this. I thought “Maybe this isn’t the kind of thing that’s going to make me look that great, career-wise. But I said “If anyone wants to criticise me for going on an all-expenses-paid ski vacation to Austria to do lots of stuff, then let them say whatever they want. I don’t care.

 

Do you have any experience with winter sports?

To date, I’ve never snowboarded. I was just too busy drinking alcohol and doing drugs to get around to it. Sadly I’ve never learned. Skiing I did learn when I was 12, and my family lived in Canada. But we only lived in Canada for a year-and-a-half, so that was a short-lived stint of skiing. Since then, I’ve been skiing not more than once or twice a year, for one-day-at-a-time. Thankfully it’s a bit like riding a bicycle, and you start where you left off. But people always made fun of me for being on skis. They expected that I should be on a snowboard because of my history as a skateboarder.

 

What events are you looking forward to, and which ones are you dreading?

I’m not dreading individual events so much as I’m dreading the notion that I will be revealed not to be the wild, reckless maniac that people believe me to be. Throughout my career I’ve really worked hard to make myself seem as reckless and out-of-control – and in some respects I really have been. But for the most part, I’ve picked my battles really carefully and done due diligence. I’ve worked quite hard to build up the skills to exploit, with the goal of looking really crazy. So I think my cover might get blown.

 

Are you competitive? Are you going out to win it?

I want to be competitive, and when I discovered the bookies had me as favourite to win, part of me really wanted to roll with that, dig in my heels and really try to win, and live up to my reputation and the expectations that people have of me. But knowing what I do, I’m now thinking of betting on some of the others.

 

Who would you out your money on?

I’m already intimidated by Mike Tindall. He’s such a fierce competitor; he’s got the mentality of a world champion. I’m known for failing. The only thing I’ve ever done professionally, really, is be a circus clown. And now I’ve got a career telling jokes about my penis. That’s about it.

 

Do you know any of this year’s contestants?

I’ve met Lady Victoria, and of course I’ve heard of Heather Mills. And of course I know of Ashley Roberts and the Pussycat Dolls.

 

Is there anyone you’re particularly keen to beat?

No, I just want to do enough to avoid The Jump for as long as possible.

 

How do you think you’ll feel standing on top of the ramp before doing the jump for the first time?

I’m going to try to be grateful for the opportunity I have to learn not to take myself too seriously. People are going to be laughing at me when they see me take part in this show. I’ve got irrational fears. I’m terrified of going on rollercoasters, but have no problem jumping off Tower Bridge into the Thames. Once I jumped out of an aeroplane with no parachute into the ocean. I can do that, but something about throwing myself off a ski jump really freaks me out. I’ve got this crazy mental block about it, and with that comes a crippling fear that I’m going to be revealed as the biggest wimp on the show.