TV star bidding to become ‘UK’s Steve Irwin’ with dangerous crocodile series
STEVE BACKSHALL is bidding to become the UK’s answer to Steve Irwin by hosting a new show about crocodiles.
The naturalist will be getting up close and personal with crocs in South Africa, just like the late Australian wildlife presenter used to do.
And as this picture shows, he is launching himself in head first.
The special will air on Channel 5, closely followed by another huge documentary about hippos.
‘Dream come true’
A TV insider said: “Steve has swam alongside sharks and whales but mixing with crocodiles in their natural habitat will be just as exhilarating — and scary.
“He appreciates the obvious comparisons with Steve Irwin, which he’s flattered by, and hopes he does the late great Aussie justice.
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“He couldn’t wait to sink his teeth into the new gig.”
Steve will find out about crocodile survival habits and hunting techniques, as well as their parenting instincts.
He will do likewise with hippos in the same territory.
Steve said of his new two-parter, Croc Watch and Hippo Watch: “Exploring the natural habitat of crocodiles and hippos is a dream come true for any wildlife enthusiast, and I am beyond excited to learn more about these captivating creatures.
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“Having previously worked with Channel 5 for the Secret Life Of Badgers, I can confidently say that crocodiles and hippos might be a tad more adventurous.”
Steve is one of the most in-demand presenters on TV and his latest project about sharks is currently being shown on Sky Nature.
He turned 50 in April and is still in great shape, as his recent magazine cover shoot for fitness bible Men’s Health proved.
But his fans should make the most of it, as Steve revealed he will not be flashing his abs for topless shoots again.
He said: “They’re quite a big deal training-wise, so the last one was the full-stop.
“Nobody is going to want to see that ever again.”
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AFTER his daring sexploits in steamy BBC One banking drama Industry, David Jonsson is now tackling a period thriller.
But he is still pushing boundaries as the lead character in the Beeb’s adaptation of Agatha Christie's Murder is Easy this Christmas, playing a young Nigerian called Fitzwilliam.
In the festive edition of Radio Times, David says: “It’s the first time an Agatha Christie has had a young black hero.
"It’s marvellous, the fact that someone like me can be judged on my acting merit to do something so traditional when it comes to storytelling. I feel honoured.
“By making that small change, we make a large change and bring new audiences to these books which we love as British people. It’s bold but more people are willing to take risks.”
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George (Colin Salmon) will be blown away by their arrival in Albert Square – as he hasn’t seen them for a decade.
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