Part-time actor takes on knockabout TV gameshow (From Swindon Advertiser)

Part-time actor takes on knockabout TV gameshow

8:40pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards

A PART-TIME actor is hoping for the ultimate performance when he appears on TV’s Total Wipeout later this month.

Howard Trigg, of Old Town , jetted out to Argentina 18 months ago to film the episode, which saw him tackle an ‘extreme’ obstacle course.

The 41-year-old, who has been described as ‘fabulously flamboyant’ by the show, was one of 20 contestants to face a host of physical challenges in the hope of winning £10,000.

Howard works full-time as an electronic broker but in his spare time is a member of TS Theatre Productions, so is no stranger to performing.

He went through a rigorous audition process in Cardiff before being jetted out to Buenos Aires, where he spent five days filming and taking in the sights.

“It was an unbelievable experience,” he said.

“It was the most exciting and bizarre thing I have ever done and I loved every minute.

“I have been described as fabulously flamboyant, which I only found out by reading the Radio Times. I think that says it all really and what people should expect from the show.

“We were also given a day to go sightseeing and take in places like the Casa Rosada and the Bombonera stadium, which was all part of the experience for me.

“The best part of the show is the way it makes you lose your ego, you just go and have fun and it doesn’t matter if you embarrass yourself.”

The show, hosted by Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram, puts the contestants’ strength, balance and bravery to the test.

Howard is a keen runner and despite some training beforehand, it could not prepare him for the bizarre qualities of the course, which includes the infamous big red balls.

He said: “I am into my running, so I stepped that up and just went to the gym for a bit to improve my upper body strength, but you can’t prepare for it.

“It is physical but it is really tough on your breathing.

“There are different parts to the course so once you have finished one you are on to something very different.

“Then you realise you haven’t been breathing, it is exhausting.”

Howard said he couldn’t reveal if he had won but ‘hadn’t embarrassed himself’ and everyone would have to watch the show, which is being aired on BBC1 at 5.25pm on September 29, so see how he fared.

He will also be performing at the Wyvern Theatre on November 3, when he takes to the stage with the TS Theatre Production in their adaptation of One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest. For more information, visit www.wyverntheatre.org.uk.