Ben Fogle on sex, overcoming dyslexia and the grief of losing his son

AWARD-WINNING presenter Ben Fogle, 46, first found fame as a contestant on BBC reality show Castaway in 2000.

Here, the adventurer reveals his favourite movie, what's on his bucket list and his biggest regret.

What scares you?

Failure.

What is your favourite word?

Smile. I have quite a good resting b**ch face, so I make a point of always smiling.

What is your worst habit?

I talk very loudly. My nickname at school was Foghorn. I blame my mother [Julia Foster]. She’s an actress, so she gave me a great voice.

Who would you invite to a dinner party?

Ernest Shackleton. He was one of the greatest explorers and I’d like to get some advice from him on how to get through this pandemic.

How often do you have sex?

As much as I can given I’m away for eight months of the year!

What is your experience of grief?

We sadly lost our third child Willem [in 2014]. He was stillborn at eight and a half months. Grief has become a part of who I am.

Who makes you laugh the most?

We’ve just got two lockdown guinea pigs called Q and Misty. They look ridiculous – like walking Trump hair.

All-time favourite movie?

Dumb And Dumber.

What was your favourite TV show as a child?

The A-Team. I wanted to be B.A. Baracus.

Which public figure do you most admire?

Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand. I’m a big fan of female leaders. We need more of them.

What possession would you rescue from a burning building?

My son’s little polar bear teddy, Poder. He’s had it for 10 years and somehow it’s never been lost.

What’s top of your bucket list?

I would like to circumnavigate the world somehow – running, walking, cycling, sailing, but not flying. It will happen at some point.

What is your biggest regret?

I wish I’d been more confident as a youngster. Shyness definitely holds you back.

If you could travel back in time where would you go?

The ’60s and ’70s. I’d love to wear a pair of flares without people laughing at me. Harry Styles gets away with it, but I don’t think it would work for me.

What do you never leave the house without?

Pants.

What do you think happens when we die?

I’d like to think that we come back as something, maybe a tree or a flower, or maybe a guinea pig.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Annabelle Wallis, the Irish barmaid in Peaky Blinders. There’s just something about her.

Most famous person on your phone?

Kate Humble. She’s godmother to my 11-year-old son Ludo.

What has been your greatest achievement?

For the boy who was dyslexic and failed GCSE English, I’m proud that the book I’ve just written will contain my millionth published word.

• Inspire: Life Lessons From The Wilderness by Ben Fogle (£20, William Collins), is out now

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