ITV1 - Tuesday
Freddie Flintoff shows Jason Manford the wonders of the Welsh countryside...
More comfortable on the sofa with a takeaway, Jason Manford stepped out of his comfort zone when he was challenged to spend a few nights away with Freddie Flintoff.
But the comic didn’t realise what he was letting himself in for, as Top Gear’s Freddie is an outdoor enthusiast and had some real ‘treats’ lined up for his new pal – including cliff camping on day one!
‘I don’t know if Jason surprised me, but he was up for anything,’ says Freddie, who turns 45 on 6 December. ‘There were a couple of times he looked a little bit vulnerable, mainly during the cliff camping! It was my favourite part of the trip. Possibly not Jason’s, although I think he did enjoy it.
‘How many times do you get the opportunity to sleep on the side of a cliff in Pembrokeshire, waves lapping against the shore, getting up to see the sun rising over the sea?’ And Jason admits that part of their trip was the least enjoyable...
‘It was absolutely terrifying! I’m really pleased I did it, but I’ll never do it again,’ says the 41-year-old. ‘But I enjoyed hanging out and having a laugh with Freddie. That was probably the funniest part. ‘We also spoke about our feelings, and what COVID and lockdown was like on our mental health.’
During their adventure, the pair also go lobster fishing, travel on the Ffestiniog Railway, forage for food, herd sheep with a sheepdog, and trek up Mount Snowdon.
‘I just like being outside in open spaces, and I think this reaffirmed it,’ concludes Freddie. ‘I have quite a young family, so I’m always trying to keep fit, but it’s a constant battle. I wake up and my body hurts, as I’m paying the price for playing sport for a living. But it’s important to try to keep fit, for my body and mind.’
