This year, I have been given unprecedented access to the Duke of Edinburgh as I was filming him and the work of his charity, The DofE, for a one-off ITV documentary to be broadcast at 9pm on the 12th December ’16, When Phillip Met Prince Philip: 60 Years of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

I took up a challenge in aid of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Diamond Anniversary Appeal. In May this year I did a Wing Walk on a Boeing Stearman biplane, taking in the breath-taking views across the Oxfordshire countryside as I hurtled to the ground - upside down.

I have been shadowing the Duke as he carries out his duties for the DofE Award. So far I have been so impressed by the Duke of Edinburgh’s stamina and his sense of humour. He’s blessed with some extraordinary James Bond-esque type genes. He’s sharp as a tack, his memory is fearsome, his humour is razor sharp and he is extraordinary in the amount of time he will spend with people.

The documentary looks back at how the Duke launched the scheme to provide life-changing opportunities for young people when he was 35. When you look at him as a younger man, he was a stunning-looking guy and a naval Commander. He’s actually James Bond. With the Duke being such an action man figure back in the day, the least I could do was to take on a challenge that was going to match up to the Duke’s sense of adventure.

The DofE Award is an incredible charity and I totally support their aspiration that every young person should be given the chance to take up the DofE. It offers each participant the chance to become motivated, self confident, community award individuals regardless of their background, ability or culture, helping them realise their potential and in many cases turning their lives around for the better.

The least I could do was take on a challenge outside my comfort zone. To see how I fare, watch the documentary!

If you think you could do something for the DofE this year, you will be helping thousands of young people all over the country.

For more information on doing your own Diamond Challenge visit www.dofediamondchallenge.org or for general details about the DofE Award visit www.dofe.org