TV favourite Robson Green almost failed to see in the New Year after cheating death this month.
The plane he was flying on back from a work trip to the Amazon was hit by lightning. The Grantchester star, 59, revealed how 24 hours before our interview he had an “out of body experience”.
He says: “I’ve been in some storms but that was top of the list, an absolute beauty. “On the way back from Brazil we were taking off and lightning hit the plane – the engine died, but then quickly came back on.
“People think your life flashes before your eyes, it doesn’t – you absolutely s*** yourself.
(Image: Penske Media via Getty Images)
“How did Robson die? Heart attack? Stroke? No, plane crash, lightning strike over the rainforest in Brazil – f***ing great. Wow, that’s only second to shark attack.”
The star kept a cool head because before he found acting he wanted to become a pilot. Robson says: “I understand how aircraft are designed for lightning strikes but did have some out-of-body experience.”
In his new series of Weekend Escapes, he tries his hand at less scary experiences, including goat yoga, sound gong baths and line-dancing with Steps singer Faye Tozer, 48.
(Image: Getty Images)
He says: “Faye is lovely – I met her a few times when I was doing the singing years ago.
“Who would have thought nestled in the countryside in Northumberland are groups of women of a certain age line-dancing with cowboy hats on?
“Dancing is so good for you – we all love a boogie – but line-dancing in a field with Faye, who is a real triple threat, great actress and singer and fabulous dancer, was wild.
“I’m a pretty good dancer. My father, a man who worked underground all his life as a miner, was an absolutely outstanding ballroom dancer and won many a UK championship, so a bit of that has rubbed off.”
Does that mean we will see Robson on Strictly next? He adds: “I love Strictly, think it’s a great programme and I’m asked every year but I don’t need to.” The BBC Two series sees the Northumberland-born actor travelling round some of the most picturesque spots in the north-east of England.
(Image: FilmMagic)
And Robson joins Denise Welch, 65, his former Soldier Soldier co-star, who he has been mates with for 40 years, in a spot of outdoor sketching. Robson says: “I was reminded being with her, on and off camera, how funny she is.
“Denise has always worn her heart on her sleeve and said what she thinks. She is one of the kindest people you’re likely to meet, a fine actor, brilliant singer and really a great voice for people who may be facing challenges in their life and their mental health.”
Robson hopes the series will “dare people to digitally detox” and “immerse themselves in the outdoors” as he champions a three-day weekend for all.
(Image: Getty Images)
He says: “That is a great idea. The outdoors, and watching wildlife in their natural environment, should be on the syllabus at school as well as at home.
“Every guest we have on realises how little they’ve looked at their phone and how much the digital world affects our lives from not being present in the moment and how short a span on this cosmic calendar we have on this planet.
“Step outside for five or 10 minutes, walk in the outdoors by a river or lake, go to the seaside or sit in your garden listening to the birds.
“Switching off from some of the horrors that are happening in the world – of which there are many – it’s a better way to start the day.”
●_ Series two of Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes drops in full on iPlayer at 6am on January 1 and airs on BBC Two at 7pm, with subsequent episodes across the following three weeks from Monday-Friday at 6.30pm.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
