Nicky Clarke brought back down to Earth by The Jump

27 January 2014

Last night on Channel 4’s The Jump celebrity hairstylist Nicky Clarke OBE and Ritchie Neville of boy band 5ive went head to head as they competed against each other in a live ski jump.

The pair came bottom in the first event in the series – giant slalom. As host Davina told Ritchie that he faced the jump he stated “life is cruel”.

Although there are three jumps - the K15, K24 or K40- Ritchie had only been cleared to tackle the K15, the smallest jump in the competition. Although regularly jumping the K24 in training Nicky also chose to jump the K15 saying “It gives me a better chance of landing it and staying in the competition”.

Ritchie took on the first live ski jump of the series, and although clearly nervous he was supported by a loud and  enthusiastic crowd at the Austrian ski resort.

Nicky followed but Eddie the Eagle commented that he didn’t think he achieved enough air to beat Ritchie. .

Nicky jumped 9.5meters. Ritchie jumped 11 meters meaning Nicky has been eliminated.

An emotional Nicky commented: “It’s been a great experience… It’s just been great fun”.

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The men’s leader board for Giant Slalom was:

1. Sir Steve Redgrave  - 39.3 seconds

2. Marcus Brigstocke - 44.75 seconds

3. Darren Gough – 47.74 seconds

4. Henry Conway – 47.77 seconds

5. Nicky Clarke OBE – 53.21 seconds

6. Ritchie Neville – 54.79 seconds

On tonight’s show it’s the turn of the female competitors in the fast paced skeleton event. In skeleton competitors must ride a small sled down a frozen track while lying face down. Competitors face speeds of up to 60mph and forces up to 5g.  But who will top the leader board and which two will have to battle it out and face the jump live on Channel 4?

The Jump, nightly, 8pm on Channel 4.

ENDS 

For pictures, please go to: www.channel4.com/info/press 

Further information on the series is available at www.channel4.com/thejump and at

www.channel4.com/info/press/press-packs/the-jump-press-pack