Shropshire school teacher up for TV show challenge

A fearless teacher from Shropshire has gone from the fields of World War Two to dodging angry dogs, scaling slippery ski lifts and facing the stairway from hell – all in the name of entertainment.

Matthew Skeate, a history teacher at Adams' Grammar School, will make his television debut on Saturday when he appears on the BBC's new Winter Wipeout show.

But 43-year-old Mr Skeate is no stranger to the screen. In 1997 the father-of-two, who lives in Longford Hall in the grounds of Adams' Grammar School, was an extra in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster hit Saving Private Ryan.

He can be seen walking across a bridge in the final scene as Captain John H. Miller, played by Tom Hanks, is killed.

Winter Wipeout, featuring commentary from Top Gear's Richard Hammond, is a seasonal adaptation of the popular Total Wipeout, which pits contestants against an ever-moving obstacle course, freezing water and the clock.

Mr Skeate said: "I've got two young children who both enjoy the show and they encouraged me to apply.

"The show is actually shot in Argentina, so I headed out there for a few days. It was an absolutely fantastic experience. I'm under strict instructions not to tell how I got on until it has aired so I've invited a few friends around to watch it on Saturday."

Mr Skeate added his extra appearance on Saving Private Ryan was amazing.

"I think that's my claim to fame," he said. "I used to be a part-time Royal Marine and I spotted an advert looking for extras. I'm actually the last soldier you see walking over the bridge at the end of the film.

"It was great fun and really interesting. It was fantastic to see Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Matt Damon all working together."