Snapshot: Steve Backshall

Occupation: Writer, naturalist, broadcaster.

What sort of pupil were you? Bored by poor teaching. Once I relied on my own self-discipline and work ethic I became quite a high achiever.

What was your first job? Working as a volunteer for the RSPCA.

What has been your most unusual job? Well I guess being the National Geographic’s ‘Adventurer in Residence’ would rate pretty highly on the weird-ometer!

My biggest achievement so far has been... Hmmm... BAFTAs... honorary doctorate... no, my gold Blue Peter badge beats them all.

My worst moment ever was… The rock climbing fall which nearly claimed my life and has meant me having to learn to walk again several times over the last few years.

Three words that sum up my personality are... Enthusiastic, workaholic, positive.

Favourite place in the world? The Himalayas.

Who is your best friend? Logie. I’m going to be best man at his wedding in the autumn. We ran across the Sahara together, paddled the Devizes to Westminster as a duo, and have done countless fun things as a partnership over the last 15 years. He’s a legend.

Which TV show do you never miss? Anything with Chris Packham or Sir David Attrenborough.

By what ethos do you live your life? Time is the greatest gift we are given, and life is the greatest adventure of all .

Steve Backshall’s A Wild Life, Festival Theatre, July 7, 2.30pm, £19.50, www.edtheatres.com