A firefighter said he has been able to call on his training as a first responder in the emergency services while taking part in the BBC TV show Gladiators.

Andy “Mitch” Mitchell, based in Winchester for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said being in the competition was an “exciting opportunity”.

He said the fact his job required him to be at “peak fitness” helped him to compete in the arena.

Mr Mitchell was speaking after taking part in the final heat before the quarter finals begin on 1 March.

Mr Mitchell said: “I love to push myself and face new challenges, which is why taking on the gladiators was an exciting opportunity for me.

“I really enjoyed the whole experience and I’m looking forward to watching it back and seeing my kids, family, friends and colleagues find out how I got on.”

Last month, former finalists Wesley Male and Bronte Jones said their appearance in the action-packed competition had been a life-changing experience.

The BBC said at least 8.7 million people had watched the first episode of the current series, which it said was the “biggest launch” of an entertainment TV series for seven years.

The fifth and latest episode of the second series, airs on BBC One at 17:40 GMT on Saturday.