Bear Grylls reveals the surprising celebrity that had the toughest time on the new season of Running Wild
BEAR Grylls has exclusively revealed to The Sun the surprising celebrity who had the toughest time on the upcoming season of Running Wild.
The 48-year-old survival expert has been adventuring worldwide with Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Florence Pugh and Simu Liu in his latest season of the hit show.
Bear put the stars through their paces, forcing them to plunge into frozen lakes, jump out of helicopters, and ascend down mountains.
However, Bear has exclusively revealed that one celebrity stood out as the most challenged in the latest season, set to premiere on Monday, July 25.
“I think Ashton Kutcher,” Bear told The Sun. “Most of the time when these guests arrive they are real rookies in terms of outdoor experience.
“Ashton is somebody who really loves the outdoors and has had the time and resources over the last few years to go and do incredible adventures around the world.
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“He really wanted that full experience – we got to take [him] into the jungles of Central America and in the end he went oh wow, this has pushed me like nothing else.
“That was a fun one to be able to really push the boundaries a bit there.”
However, despite standing out as the most challenged, Bear admitted that Thor: Love and Thunder star Natalie Portman also struggled.
“Likewise, I think the Natalie one I mean, it’s one of the best. It feels like one of the best episodes we’ve ever done really, it’s got so much kind of heart. And it looks spectacular.
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“The deserts and these Canyonlands. Her story is remarkable. She’s such a beautiful human being inside and out. And that was a special one.”
Speaking about the new season directly, Bear teased that they are “upping the ante.”
“I look on this one as probably the most challenging seasons we’ve ever done in terms of locations. From the jungles to the high north in Canada in the depths of winter with Simu Liu.
“But it was fun, Running Wild is always revealing and getting to know these stars in a really unguarded, great way, and it continues to shine for us as a show. We take amazing people and hear incredible stories.”
After filming the show, Bear gave The Sun some of his top survival expert tips.
The TV star explained what to do if you come face-to-face with a shark.
“Number one, don’t panic,” he said. “You know, most shark attacks and mistaken identity, or they think of something else. So if you see a shark make yourself visible, make yourself strong, make yourself not look like prey.”
Bear then went on to explain the dangerous signal that could leave you in a face-off with a Great White.
“As soon as you start panicking and start thrashing in that water and sending off prey-predator signals that you are food and you’re scared and you’re weak – that’s whether you’re facing wolves or sharks.
“You know, the signal is a really dangerous signal. So if you’re with a shark in the water, bags or confidence, swim, you know strong swing swim stable.
“If it’s coming for you, if it’s looking like it’s attacking, you go for it dive towards it be aggressive. Cause confusion in a shark’s mind. Yeah, they’re unlikely to attack – even Great Whites.”
Bear went on to confirm that sharks “don’t want to eat you,” but tend to confuse humans for prey.
“If they see you’re human, and you’re not scared, and you’re swimming with it, they leave you alone.
“But like all things that takes courage, but welcome to the wild, you know, the rewards go to those who can face their fears and do the difficult so that would be my tip with sharks.”
Despite giving expert tips on how to face a shark if you find yourself in that position, Bear explained that it should not be sought out.
“Before you get in the water, do your research and make sure you don’t put yourself in harm’s way unnecessarily.
“There are a lot of places now that have really good shark watches. If somebody’s saying don’t be in the water at the moment, don’t be in the water.
“But that is the key to surviving. If you’re surrounded by sharks be confident.”
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It comes just days after experts warned of a “new normal” in the rise of shark attacks after five people were mauled in just two weeks.
Bear also spoke about his latest partnership with Duracell and Make-A-Wish for their Engineered for More campaign aimed at powering more outdoor moments that matter for the launch of new Duracell batteries with Power Boost Ingredients.