WHO IS ANT MIDDLETON?
Ant Middleton features in Channel 4’s SAS : Who Dares Wins, Mutiny and the forthcoming Escape. Born in Portsmouth and raised in France, Ant followed a career in the armed forces, eventually joining the Royal Marines and the Special Boat Service

The former soldier, now frontman for gritty on-screen challenges such as SAS: Who Dares Wins, explains why he thinks of the RNLI as a special force

What’s the scariest side of special force operations?
I think that, in the military, it’s the unknown. Once you’re in the operation it flows because your training kicks in, you do things systematically. But the thing that always got me on edge was the bit before that – that’s when you take the deep breaths. Because you don’t know exactly what you’ll face, and things might not go according to plan. That’s why I take my hat off to the RNLI crews. Getting that call, putting on that gear and lifejacket, not knowing what they might come up against … that alone is true courage.

Does your SBS experience mean our unpredictable seas don’t bother you? No one is stronger than our waters: the tides, currents, the cold. Many of our coastal waters don’t get above 15°C, and it’s surprising how cold that feels. I was lowered into a tank of 12°C water at the University of Portsmouth, as part of the work Professor Mike Tipton has done with the RNLI on cold water shock. I’ve been conditioned to deal with the physical and emotional effects of that sort of thing but it was still tough! Before I went in we timed how long it took me to screw up a bolt, and it took 30 seconds. When I got out it took me twice that. I didn’t expect that effect on my dexterity. I’ll always respect the water.

Tell us about your new sea-based series?
It’s a recreation of the famous mutiny on the Bounty in 1789 – when crewmen seized control of the ship from their captain, William Bligh, and set him and some of the more loyal crew adrift in the ship’s launch. They completed a voyage of more than 3,500 nautical miles in the launch to reach safety. And we decided to do the same, with me in charge! We had a replica open boat made and had to sail from Tonga to Timor, living on rations: ship biscuits, biltong, and whatever we could hunt from the islands. Just me and a crew of normal people and the sea. Psychologically and physically it was really tough – I lost 21kg. But I know from my military days – your mind can drag you through pretty much anything. If your mind gives up, your body will follow.

You still find time to be an ambassador for the RNLI – why is that?
I’m proud and honoured to help in any way I can. I know from my Royal Marines and SBS days: however confident you are in the water, you are at the mercy of nature when you are on or in the sea. It can be great fun when you’re aware of the risks. But, at its most brutal,
it is no joke. I know how serious it can get. For volunteer lifeboat crews to be prepared to go out when most people would be going in the opposite direction … all I can say is ‘wow’.

MY FAVOURITE … Coastal area?
Dorset – the terrain is like a roller coaster and will test anyone. I did maritime training in Poole, which armed me with key life skills and brings back fond memories. Way to relax? Being with my wife and children. Being a fundamental part of my kids’ growth and future is a very rewarding and enjoyable element of my life – I love and cherish every moment.

Adventurer?
Bear Grylls. Not only is he a great guy, but what he does for our young will have a positive impact on their growth and their future. And he’s a fellow RNLI ambassador!

Interview: Rory Stamp
Photo: Matt Sprake