Celebrities have descended on Mallaig as they take part in a mammoth rowing challenge spanning the length of the UK.
Stars including presenter and cricket legend Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff and quiz extraordinaire Shaun Wallace, better known as the Dark Destroyer from The Chase, visited the Lochaber village as part of new ITV show Don’t Rock The Boat.
Others taking part in the row from Cornwall north include British politician and author Tom Watson, sports presenter and Olympic gold medalist Denise Lewis and English supermodel and broadcaster Jodie Kidd.
The show seeks to push participants to their physical and mental limits as they battle it out to complete more than 500 gruelling miles.
The two teams will also face a series of on-shore challenges to secure vital advantages over their opposition.
Actor Craig Charles, singer-songwriter Fleur East, YouTuber Joe Weller and Love Island winner Jack Fincham are also taking part, with Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon, Olympic, World and European Champion Victoria Pendleton, actor and presenter Adam Thomas and Pussycat Dolls member Kimberly Wyatt completing the line-up.
Mowi harvest manager John Angus Gillies bumped into the stars prior to their departure to sea.
He said: “It was great. There had been a bit of rumour in the village that a camera crew were here but just by chance I happened to see them.
“They were a very friendly bunch and Freddie and Shaun were more than happy to have a blether and pose for pictures with folk.
“It’s great that the area here in Mallaig, looking out onto the lovely Skye, has been recognised and will be showcased in this way.”
Flintoff is presenting on the show alongside The Voice’s AJ Odudu as they guide the celebrities through each leg of the race and preside over the challenges on land.
Speaking at the launch of the show, he said: “I’m thrilled to be hosting this brand new show for ITV. It sounds like it’s going to be a huge challenge for the twelve rowers.”
The five-part series is due to air later this year.
