Actor Nigel Havers on Channel 5 show Celebrity Carry On Barging

CHANNEL 5

The actor is barging around Britain’s waterways in a new reality show

What was the highlight of your two weeks on the barge?

It was going over the aqueduct because it was scary. It is the longest one in Europe and goes from the border of Shropshire over to north Wales. When you look over the side there is a 600ft drop. It was exhilarating.

I was Admiral and it suited us well

Nigel Havers

You paired up with Debbie McGee. Who did most of the steering?

I did! I was Admiral and it suited us well.

Would you ever buy a boat?

Debbie and I did discuss this. Debbie has a riverboat already called The Lovely Debbie McGee, which is sweet. And we both have powerboat licences because I have a place in France and I want to take a powerboat down there and you can’t without a license.

Was there a moment where you thought “get me off this barge”?

There was not a single bad bit. I could have stayed on.

Did you worry about being two strangers in a small space?

No, it was fine. I never worry and I’m not shy.

Did you have any arguments?

No spats, although we would have to tell Lorraine Chase, who was sharing the other barge with Simon Callow, to shut up. She does love a chat. She fell in the river at the end. It was extremely funny.

Who was the better pair?

We were. The others banged into a lot of things but it is tough driving the barge when everyone is watching you.

I hear you took a suitcase of wine…

We had some good parties on each other’s boats but we were so knackered we just had a few glasses of wine at night. There was no drink driving.

Have you been hanging out post barging?

We have all been so busy. Debbie went up to York to do her panto and I did a Palladium panto, which Debbie very sweetly came to. I had a great time.

What is so magical about boating?

It was filmed in September and October so it was beautiful. The canals run through fields and countryside so you don’t see any roads and after three days you feel great. You are not really aware of life as we know it.

Celebrity Carry On Barging, Channel 5, Friday, 8pm

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