Gethin Jones is gearing up for his Wheely Big Challenge with Helen Skelton - but he was once left badly hurt while ice skating. The Morning Live presenter, 47, is preparing to strap on skates for a 24-hour roller-skating challenge in aid of Comic Relief on Thursday, March 20. But skating isn’t Gethin Jones ’ strong suit - in fact, it’s his worst nightmare.
Gethin Jones even faced embarrassment just weeks ago, while visiting a roller skating disco in Manchester. “I went to Archie’s Atomic during half-term,” he says, “I wasn’t even allowed on the rink, I had to go around the side with full pads and a helmet. I’ve never felt like such a loser.
” It’s not his first endurance test for charity. In 2023, he danced for 24 hours straight in support of the same cause. “That was one of the best experiences of my life,” he says.
So when Comic Relief called again, he was ready to step up - until he heard the full story. “Skating petrifies me,” he says, “I can’t do this. I have no idea what I’m doing, I’ve never done it before.
” His track record doesn’t inspire confidence. “I’ve been ice skating,” he says, “I got a concussion and broke my arm - twice.” Gethin won’t be suffering alone.
His Morning Live co-star Helen Skelton will be right beside him as they’ll roll out on the morning of Thursday, 20th March and continue throughout the day and night. Helen and Gethin will end their challenge during Friday’s Morning Live on Red Nose Day,.
