Let’s talk about the new Ninja Warrior UK Chelmsford. What’s it all about?

It’s a perfect family day out with amazing facilities, obstacles and inflatables, meaning it’s the ideal opportunity for mums, dads and kids to test themselves. It’s also in the centre of Chelmsford, so is really easy to get to. There’s no one here without a massive smile on their face. The kids run around having a brilliant time, while the parents watch and get involved as well. There’s a lot of Ninja sweat going on – but Ninja sweat is good sweat!

You’ve said previously you weren’t the best behaved teenager growing up in Epping. What did you get up to that got your parents’ backs up? 

I was the sort of teenager that unless occupied got myself in trouble. My mum used to say I could find water in a desert. I didn’t have much fear; I was always doing stupid things because they seemed like a good idea at the time.

You can dish the dirt a bit more than that, can’t you?

I was just clumsy, forever smashing windows because I kicked the football at the wall when I was told not to. If I didn’t break one every couple of months I didn’t hit my quota! I wasn’t trying to break them – I just was just rubbish at football. I was also very good at breaking other people; again not intentionally. My brother, sister and I always got in trouble for taking things too far. I was one of those kids that always got told off doing things I shouldn’t be doing. Climbing walls, jumping out of trees; that sort of stuff.

You went to Chigwell School – what was that like?

I loved every single moment. My closest mates that I see all the time all went there as well. My parents worked incredibly hard to pay for our private education, for which I’m forever thankful. Going there made me the person I am today. I’m proud to be an old Chigwellian, and love going back to play football there. I have nothing but amazing memories from my time at Chigwell School.

Is that why you chose to put your own sons in independent education?

Yes, and I’m grateful my wife Annie and I have been lucky enough to afford sending them there. Sam’s now 18, and Jack’s 16, and they both understand the value their education’s had for them. Having said that, all of a sudden Sam’s not so keen getting his GSCE results. He’s strangely content to wait for them to come through the post, rather than go and get them. We’re hoping all will be OK in the end, though! 

Back to growing up in Essex. What fond memories do you have?

I was forever hanging out at Woodford Rugby Club, and started playing there aged four. My brother and dad also played there, and I spent most Saturdays and Sundays at the club – and Friday nights if I could.

Where else would you go with your mates?

I spent a lot of time in Epping Forest, and used to ride my mountain bike there. We also went to the recreation ground at Stonards Hill to hang out on the swings or mess about. Back in the days before phones controlled your life!

What about Essex pubs and clubs?

I used to go to The Rising Sun in Walthamstow before it shut down. That probably doesn’t count though, as it’s not technically Essex. I’d sometimes find myself at Epping Forest Country Club, and The Castle in Woodford, but that’s now a steakhouse. The Three Colts in Buckhurst Hill was another haunt of mine.

No TOWIE-style wild nights out, then?

To be honest I spent most of my time in Woodford and Loughton rather than the bars and clubs that have become synonymous with Essex now. Those sorts of places didn’t exist when I was at school in the late Eighties and early Nineties. The majority of my time growing up was all about the rugby club!

You live in London, but your parents are still in Essex. Where do you go when you come to visit?

We’re regulars at the Theydon Bois Balti House, down by the station. We’ve been going there ever since my parents moved to the area in 1992. I love it – going there feels like coming home. 

We take it regular nights out aren’t that common with you getting up at silly o’clock to present Good Morning Britain?

I’m up mega-early, that’s for sure! The problem is I’m not disciplined when it comes to going to bed, which is a hang-up from when I was growing up. I’d get up early and go to bed late, as I had a fear of missing out. I still have that now! I hate going to bed, even if I know I’ve only had a couple of hours sleep. Routine-wise I’m usually tucked up by 10pm – and my alarm goes off at 3:30am. I’m just thankful there’s a lot of make-up involved before you see me on TV!

It’s the weekend. What do you do to relax?

I like to play golf with my boys. Annie’s perfectly happy about us spending a few hours on the course, as it means less men to pick up after. Spending any time with my sons is great. We’re big West Ham fans so we go to the football whenever we can. We also love seeing England play rugby at Twickenham. Just being around them is enough; they’re both a really good laugh at the ages they are now.

Was it always so easy raising boys just two years apart?

Sam was always enormous compared to Jack, so there was never any sort of competition between them. If Jack ever tried to start something Sam would just look at his little brother and laugh! I’ve no idea how we managed to wangle out of all that, because both me and the boys are all really competitive. We’re just lucky, as they always got on well.

You’re 50 next year. Is there anything you want to do before then?

Again, it’s spending as much time with the boys and Annie as possible. Sam will be off to uni in the blink of an eye and Jack is also much more independent. I want us to look back and have made the most of every minute. It’s hilarious – both Sam and Jack are taller and stronger than me and spend most of the time taking the mickey out of me! They’re enormous, much to their enjoyment and my embarrassment. But deep down I love it and am incredibly proud. 

Let’s talk bizarre facts: you once won a Guinness World Record for the most pumpkins smashed in a minute. What’s that all about?

I was doing it as part of This Morning, competing against Peter Andre and Chris Evans. I managed to smash more than Pete and Chris put together – there’s that competitive streak again. But being so competitive had its down side. We were all given a hammer to break the pumpkins open, and being so desperate to win I whacked myself with it! I ended up with blood pouring out of my head – but got a Guinness World Record in the process!

What strange fact can you share with us that no one else knows about?

That’s a hard one, as I’m an open book. I can play the piano and have a degree in dance, but everyone knows that already. On Tipping Point the machine has a name, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy, so that’s not much help, either!

There must be something you can share. What annoys you at work or home?

Annie cannot load a dishwasher to save her life. There; I’ve said it. I consider myself an Olympic standard dishwasher stacker and don’t understand why she can’t do it properly. I’ll get it in the neck now, you wait!

Ninja Warrior UK Chelmsford is now open for bookings, gift vouchers, Ninja Warrior parties and more.