James Argent talks about his decision to take part in The Jump

James Argent talks about his decision to take part in The Jump. The series sees twelve celebrities taking on some of the most challenging and dangerous winter sports in an effort to be crowned the series champion. The Jump can be seen at 7.30pm on Sunday evenings on Channel 4.

Why did you say ‘yes’ to doing The Jump?

I decided to do The jump because I think it will be a great experience as one of my best friends Joey Essex competed last year and won. He told me how much of an amazing experience it was, how much of a great time he had and I’d like to experience the same sort of thing that he did and have a bit of a challenge.

Can you ski?

I can’t ski. The only time I’ve ever skied is when I went to a dry ski slope in Brentwood with Mark Wright, Sam Fairs and Lydia and that’s the only time I’ve ever put on a pair of skis. Hopefully I’ll be a good beginner.

Which event are you most looking forward to?

I love Cool Runnings and I know we’re not doing the bobsleigh but I think the skeleton could be quite similar, so I think that will be quite cool. I might even do the little chant as I do it.

Are you competitive?

I am quite competitive believe it or not. When it comes to sports I do love to be on the winning team. I love celebrations, bantering other people that I’ve beaten. However, I’m usually just above average at most sports but I’m not really a master of any. I can sort of get away with having a kick about, I can get away with playing a game of tennis, boxing but I wouldn’t say I’m particularly great or an athlete as such. You never know skiing could be my thing.

Are you sporty?

I enjoy sports and taking part but I don’t think anyone would really class me as sporty.

Have you spoken to anyone who has done The Jump before?

Just Joey.

Do you know anyone else who’s taking part this year already?

I know Brian already, I get on really well with Brian. I don’t think we’ll be competitive, we get on too well. I think we’ll just be making each other laugh, we’ll probably just be having lots of fun.

Are you looking forward to being out in Austria and living with the other competitors?

I think it’s going to be a great experience, a good laugh. I always enjoy meeting new people and socialising and I just think we’re going to have an amazing time.

Who will be coming out to support you?

My girlfriend Lydia will be out there supporting me for sure. Joey is 100% coming, as soon as I mentioned it to Joey he told me I had to do it and I’m definitely coming out there if you do it!