Twelve celebs, one big, long The Jump interview

17 January 2014

 

AMY CHILDS

An Essex girl born and bred, reality TV star and business woman Amy Childs first hit UK TV screens in 2010 as the stand out star of ITV2’s The Only Way Is Essex.  She’s best known for her Essex lingo, coining the phrases ‘totes amaze’, ‘shut uuuuuup’ and ‘OMG’ as well as introducing the world to vajazzling.  

As a trained beautician, Amy has her own salon in Brentwood Essex and yes, she still vajazzles!  She also has her own range of strip eyelashes, a tanning range (what self-respecting Essex girl would be seen without a tan?!) and has just launched her fifth range of clothes in the Amy Childs Collection. 

The Jump is set to be Amy’s biggest challenge to date – she rates her skiing skills as 6.5 out of 10 – and until she joined the show had only skied on a dry ski slope. One thing is for sure; Amy has her sights firmly set on conquering whatever winter sporting challenges are thrown her way.

In her own words - Amy Childs

What made you say ‘YES’ to taking part in The Jump? 

I love a challenge; it’s nice to experience different things. I wanted to do a show that was different something out of the box and this was perfect.

How is your training going?

It is very hard actually, I think a lot harder than I thought it would be. It is going really well and I am enjoying it. I have the odd bad day but generally I just work hard and have fun at them same time.

Which is your best and worst discipline?

Ski Jump is so hard for me. It’s a fear thing as well, I need to overcome that. Skeleton is my favourite.

How do you rate your chances?

I know I am not going to win; there are people with a lot more experience than me that have been skiing since they were young. I would hate to go out first, but if I do I know I put in my all and that’s what counts.  

What has been the scariest part of the training?
The jump, definitely.

Lighter people are said to be at an advantage when it comes to The Jump – have you been trying to lose a few pounds to give you an advantage?

No not at all, I have been eating more if anything I need the food for energy.

Britain’s most famous Winter Olympian is Michael Edwards- better known as Eddie "The Eagle".  What nickname would you like to have?  

Well, I have the nickname Roar.  So I would say Amy ‘Roar’ Childs.

Who do you think will be the strongest contenders?

Sir Steve is amazing.   

ANTHEA TURNER

 

From kicking off her career at BBC Radio Stoke in the 80’s, presenter and broadcaster Anthea Turner went on to front one of the nation’s favourite children’s’ TV programmes, Blue Peter – creating her famous Thunderbirds Tracy Island out of papier mâché and toilet rolls in 1993.  

After leaving Blue Peter in 1994, Anthea landed the job as joint lead presenter on GMTV, bringing the morning’s news, weather and hot topics in to millions of homes every morning.  Anthea also presented the first ever National Lottery Show on BBC1 before heading back to ITV to present Wish You Were Here.

No stranger to the challenge of reality TV, Anthea has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and also Dancing on Ice, fingers crossed skills she learnt on the latter might come in handy! 

In her own words - Anthea Turner

What made you say ‘YES’ to taking part in The Jump? 

Tea and cake at The Delaunay.

How long have you been skiing for?

On and off for 14 years, but badly.

Which is you best and worst discipline?

Best – Après ski!  Worst – speed skating – HATE IT

Have you had any injures?

Not really, but I did hurt my finger on the door at Lea Valley toilets.

What has been the scariest part of training?

The Jump.

How do you think you will feel when faced with The Jump?

Horrified.

Britain’s most famous Winter Olympian is Michael Edwards – better known as Eddie “The Eagle”. What nickname would the like to have?

Anthea “The Albatross” Turner.

Who do you think will be the strongest contenders?

Sir Steve. But the nutter from the north (Darren) could just take the crown ‘Top Jumper’!!

 

DARREN GOUGH

Dazzler, extrovert, inspirer, attack leader and England's best strike bowler since Bob Willis and Ian Botham, legendary cricketer Darren Gough grew from often-injured good to match-fit great and this attitude could take him a long way on The Jump.

Since the premature end of his cricket career Darren discovered there is life after sport, winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 and presenting the daily drive time show on TalkSport radio.

Describing his skiing ability as ‘fearless and fast’ Darren’s not afraid to throw himself in to the winter sport challenges and down the ski jump!

In his own words - Darren Gough

What made you say ‘YES’ to taking part in The Jump? 

It’s an unbelievable experience, and an opportunity to do some real sports I’d never normally get the chance to do.

How long have you been skiing for?

Three years.

How is training going?

Really well and improving my technique.

Which is you best and worst discipline?

The best event should be bobsleigh.  My worst is speed skating

How do you rate your chances?

50/50.

Have you had any injures?

A few bruises and ongoing knee issues.

What has been the scariest part of training?

So far, The Jump every single time I do it!

How do you think you will feel when faced with The Jump?

Scared but excited.

Have you ever fallen off a ski lift?

Oh yes! On my first ever ski holiday.

Lighter people are said to be at an advantage when it comes to The Jump – have you been trying to lose a few pounds to give you an advantage?

Have I f*ck!!

Britain’s most famous Winter Olympian is Michael Edwards – better known as Eddie “The Eagle”. What nickname would the like to have?

“Rhino”, no actually it would be “Verrücktes Mann des Nordens” – Darren “Crazy Man of the North” Gough.

Who do you think will be the strongest contenders?

Sir Steve.  The dark horse of the competition is Marcus.

HENRY CONWAY

Self-styled ‘Queen Sloane’, Henry Conway, is a regular fixture of the London party scene organising nights at famous hotspots around the capital.  His nights at Mahiki have been attended by not only some of the biggest music and film stars in the world - Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Zac Efron to name a few - but also by royalty, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge being regulars for years before their marriage.

As a fashion and lifestyle journalist and commentator, Henry has written for The New York Times, The Guardian and Grazia among others.

Although he’s been skiing since he was 4 years old, Henry is a bit more style over speed.  Especially in his vintage furs on the slopes!

JOE McELDERRY

Joe McElderry is best known for winning the X Factor in 2009 after being mentored but fellow Geordie, Cheryl Cole.  Since winning the X Factor Joe has released 4 top 20 albums and won reality TV series Pop Star to Opera Star.

Joe entered the X Factor at just 18 and won the competition beating Olly Murs in the finale with his version of ‘Climb’ which went on to be a number one hit.

In 2011 Joe took on his second reality TV show Pop Star to Opera Star. He beat his other fellow pop stars to reach the finale where he received a massive 80% of the public vote to be crowned winner.

Joe is a keen skier and has been going on skiing holidays every year with his family since the age of 12 and could be a real contender in The Jump.

KIMBERLY WYATT

As a former Pussycat Doll, Kimberly Wyatt is best known for her incredible dance moves with her signature move, ‘standing over split’, featuring in most of the band’s music videos.  As one sixth of the Pussycat Dolls, Kimberley has had huge worldwide hits including ‘Don’t Cha’, ‘When I Grow Up’ and ‘Buttons’, before the band split in 2010.

In recent years Kimberly has become a TV personality in her own right in the UK as a judge on Sky1’s dance show, Got to Dance, and also started a new band, her Majesty and the Wolves.

She describes herself as a moderate skier, but Kimberly is  one to watch.  She loves sport and keeping fit and is often the first at training and the last to leave.

A Q&A with Kimberly Wyatt

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

I love the Winter Olympics and I love sports. I’ve never had the chance to learn such amazing physical feats before and this seemed like the perfect chance to train with the best and put myself to the test. Plus it’s the best way to get into shape before my wedding!

How is your training going?

I’m not going to lie…it’s been challenging! I’m against incredible athletes and experienced skiers so I have to push past the fear and go for it. I’ve taken some pretty incredible falls so far and getting back up and continuing on is a big part of the whole experience.

Which is your best and worst discipline?

So far I have been pretty good at Speed Skating and horrible at Ski Cross.

How do you rate your chances?

I think I’m a 50/50. I’m competing against some seriously good skiers and athletes. So I know I am going to have to work extra hard to catch up to their ability but being a competitive dancer has definitely worked in my favour. My motto is that “I’d rather come second to the best then first to the worst!”

Have you had any injuries?

I’ve had my own ski hit me in back of my head during a bad fall, swollen ankles from skating, a bruised bone, and aching muscles!

What has been the scariest part of the training?

Ski Cross is scary in general. Having to face so many different disciplines in skiing all at and remember what I’ve been taught is tough. Plus I hate not being good at something so my ballsy attitude usually gets me into trouble!

How do you think you will feel when faced with The Jump?

I think I’ll be shaking like a leaf on the inside but I will grit my teeth and do my best to jump like I’ve never jumped before!. But I refuse to let my fear get the best of me!

Have you ever fallen off a ski lift?

Multiple times!!! That’s how my practice began. Not a very good start!

Lighter people are said to be at an advantage when it comes to The Jump – have you been trying to lose a few pounds to give you an advantage?

I haven’t been trying but I have lost a bit of weight. Winter Sports is a fitness killer!

Britain’s most famous Winter Olympian is Michael Edwards- better known as Eddie "The Eagle".  What nickname would you like to have?  

Well, my kick-boxing nickname for a TV show many years ago was ‘White Lightning’; I think I’ll go with that.  Kimberly “White Lightening” Wyatt.

Who do you think will be the strongest contenders?

Sir Steve Redgrave, he’s a five time gold medallist for god’s sake, an absolute legend!

LAURA HAMILTON 

Laura Hamilton is best known as one of the presenters of 'A Place in the Sun', she also fronted a brand new show 'Beat my Build', which also aired on Channel 4 last year.  She also regularly presents for 'Daybreak', out and about on location fronting some of their LIVE OB's.

Laura competed in the 2011 series of Dancing on Ice and after 12 weeks, she was crowned Runner Up, so she’s no stranger to the world of winter sports. 

Laura regularly writes for 'A Place in the Sun' magazine and at the end of June 2013 she joined Hello Magazine as a 'Celebrity Blogger'.

 

MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE

 

Marcus Brigstocke began his comedy career at Bristol University, performing stand up and character shows, before being named the BBC New Comedian of 1996. He’s now a major comedy, writing and acting talent and is a regular on BBC radio.

Marcus has appeared on stalwart comedy shows Have I Got News for You and Live at the Apollo, as well as making an appearance in Richard Curtis’ hit film Love Actually and his musical theatre debut as King Arthur in the UK tour of Spamalot.

As far as his skiing skills go, Marcus is a ‘very out of practice intermediate’, and with the exception of one day skiing with The Jump’s very own Performance Director, Graham Bell, on Ski Sunday five years ago, has only snowboarded in the last 12 years.

In his own words - Marcus Brigstocke

What made you say ‘YES’ to taking part in The Jump? 

I love sliding about… The Jump involves lots of sliding about.

How long have you been skiing for?

On and off since I was 20 – mostly snowboarding though.

How is training going?

Ask the coach.  I’m loving it!

Which is you best and worst discipline?

Best – speed skating.  Worst – too soon to say!

How do you rate your chances?

Anything could happen at this stage.

Have you had any injures?

Very sore ankles.

What has been the scariest part of training?

Definitely ski jumping.

How do you think you will feel when faced with The Jump?

Terrified and very excited.

Britain’s most famous Winter Olympian is Michael Edwards – better known as Eddie “The Eagle”. What nickname would the like to have?

Marcus ‘Slidey Magee’ Brigstocke.

Who do you think will be the strongest contenders?

Any of us at this stage, we all have different skills going for us.

MELINDA MESSENGER 

Melinda Messenger shot to fame in 1997 when an advert featuring her for a double-glazing company was banned for being too sexy.  She enjoyed a successful career as a page-3 model in The Sun and also posing for artistes including Vivienne Westwood.

Since leaving the world of modelling behind Melinda has had a successful career as a presenter and TV personality, starring in shows including Live from Studio 5 and Cowboy Builders, as well as appearing in Celebrity Big Brother in 2002.

 NICKY CLARKE OBE

His passion for hairdressing and unique style has made Nicky Clarke an icon both within the industry and showbiz glitterati. As personal stylist to movie stars, pop icons and personalities ‘the world’s most newsworthy hairdresser’ has styled an entire generation of the world’s most famous faces.

Nicky is as revered as the celebrity clientele of his Mayfair salon and has styled various generations of royalty including Princess Diana and Sarah, Duchess of York – he counts the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie among his regular clients.

With a career spanning over 35 years, Nicky and former wife Lesley have established the Nicky Clarke brand as one of the world’s leading hairdressing empires.  Nicky has been an avid skier for the last 25 years.

 

RITCHIE NEVILLE

After an open audition at the age of 17, Ritchie Neville became one fifth of the hugely successful boyband 5ive. The band enjoyed success worldwide, particularly in the UK, most of Europe, and Asia. They split up in 2001 after selling 20 million records worldwide and eight top 10 singles.

In 2013, Ritchie and his 5ive bandmates agreed to appear on ITV2’s The Big Reunion. The show followed 5ive and other former chart-topping bands as they reformed.  The Big Reunion: On Tour, also followed the band as they embarked on their arena tour.

Ritchie is new to the world of winter sports but is more than up for the challenge as a lover of extreme sport, but admits The Jump is the most terrifying challenge he’s taken on to date. 

SINITTA

British-American singer Sinitta is best known for her 1980s Euro-hit records ‘So Macho’ and ‘Toy Boy’. She was renowned for being Simon’s right-hand woman – as well as her unique fashion sense - on the Judge’s Houses stage of ‘The X Factor’ and subsequently alongside Louis Walsh.  During this time she helped choose Leona Lewis, Olly Murs and One Direction.

Sinitta appeared ITV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’ in 2010 and ‘I’m a Celebrity Get me out of Here’ in 2011.

Her early career began in the 1980s with roles in various West End shows before embarking on a recording career. She was the first signing to Simon Cowell’s label gaining chart success with ‘So Macho’ then later achieved five hit singles with Stock Aitken Watermen/PWL.

The singer has not skied for six years but believes that once she reconnects with skiing and learns the technique, she will be able to ski down any slope. 

In her own words - Sinitta

What made you say ‘YES’ to taking part in The Jump? 

The idea of learning a new sports skill.

How is training going?

Amazingly! I can now ski and do things I never dreamed I would be able to.

Which is you best and worst discipline?

My best is the bobsleigh and worst is speed skiing.

How do you rate your chances?

Top three?!  In my dreams! But I’m aiming high so that I keep trying heard.

Have you had any injures?

Not on this show…

What has been the scariest part of training?

Looking at ‘The Jump’.  Scary and surreal, it makes it very real.

How do you think you will feel when faced with The Jump?

Eeeeek!!!!!

Have you ever fallen off a ski lift?

No, but nearly did today with Amy Childs – why were we left alone together.

Lighter people are said to be at an advantage when it comes to The Jump – have you been trying to lose a few pounds to give you an advantage?

It’s the first time I’ve heard this and my diet starts tomorrow!

Who do you think will be the strongest contenders?

Steve and Kimberly

 

SIR STEVE REDGRAVE

 

The 2000 Sydney Olympics marked the end of a long and extraordinary career in competitive sport that resulted in Steve winning an unprecedented five Gold Medals in consecutive Olympic Games. Following his success in Sydney he was awarded a Knighthood in the 2001’s New Year’s Honours List.

Since his retirement from rowing, Steve helped Great Britain win its bid to host the 2012 London Olympics Games and is now committed to ensuring the event is providing a lasting legacy for sport in the future.

Steve regards himself as having mixed ability and knows that the off-piste and more technical elements of the show will be where his challenges lie. He does have one other advantage though as he has bobsleighed before as part of the British Four-man champion winning team in 1989.