JOE SWASH GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL WITH GREEN FLAG

7th April 2016

Presenter, actor and brand new driver, Joe Swash, has joined forces with Green Flag and gone on a scenic tour of Scotland as we head into spring

National breakdown cover provider Green Flag is kicking off spring with an exciting new video series starring ex-Eastender and recently qualified driver Joe Swash. The series, called the Scenic Route, will be running throughout summer, featuring some of the countrys best-known faces, to fuel inspiration for great adventures in the UK and Europe and celebrate the freedom of drivers taking the road less travelled.

The first mini-series of three episodes stars Joe and highlights the beautiful sights of Scotland, with Joe undertaking a number of challenges on the way from Glasgow to Fort William.

Sliding into the drivers seat of his classic 1985 Land Rover, The Jump and I am A Celebrity star, is the first to take to the road, revealing the breath-taking sights of the Scottish Highlands and offering insight into the best scenic routes for all those planning to travel somewhere a little different this year. Taking us on a journey through barren hillsides, mirror-flat waters and snow-covered mountain tops, new driver,

Joe, starts off his expedition in Glasgow, travelling up north to reach his finishing point in Fort William. During his trip, Joe takes part in a number of challenges, courtesy of Green Flag, including taking a dip in the chilly Loch Lomond, off-road driving through Loch Lubnaig and zip-wiring through valley tree tops in Aberfoyle.

As well as aiming to encourage Brits to explore the great outdoors and the delightful nooks and crannies of the UK, Green Flag launched this initiative to highlight its extensive range of cover and inspire people to travel this year.

Presenter and actor, Joe Swash, commented: I only passed my test in July 2015 and since then I have been out of the country a lot. I wouldnt describe myself as the perfect driver - but Im a safe driver. I would say its a bit like my personality: a bit erratic sometimes, maybe a bit all over the place, but fairly sound.

Driving is still a novelty for me so I always want to get behind the wheel. I am sure that will wear off at some point. Sometimes I just drive for the sake of it. But only really when I need to clear my head. Driving is brilliant for doing that. And the sensation of freedom. The first time you drive on your own, that feeling is amazing. There is also that little thought: ‘Have I blagged my way through the test, or can I really drive? Now I have got over that, I love it.

To see what Joe got up to on his travels with Green Flag, visit facebook.com/greenflaguk

The Jump and ex-Eastenders star Joe Swash is the first in a series of celebrities to take Green Flag's Scenic Route. The series of adventures around the UK and Europe has been designed to celebrate the freedom of driving and encourage drivers to take the road less travelled. We caught up with Joe, along with the battered 1985 Land Rover that he used for his Highland fling, and got the motoring low down from the cheeky cockney.

Why did you leave it so late to learn to drive?
I lived in central London and public transport is amazing there. You can get round so much easier and quicker than in a car. Also I started doing Eastenders when I was 20 and we were ferried around by drivers all the time so I got lazy. Then before I knew it, I was in my 30s and still couldn't drive. But I had my boy and I could not keep on picking him up from school by cab.

How does Joe Swash describe his driving?
I would not describe myself as the perfect driver. But I’m a safe driver. I would say it’s a bit like my personality: a bit erratic sometimes, maybe a bit all over the place, but fairly sound.

What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you in a car?
I only passed my test in July 2015 and since then I have been out of the country a lot. I guess the best moment was when I got back from Australia (He presents I’m a Celebrity... Get me out of here NOW.) I was doing Cinderella in panto and it was great to be able to drive over to Weston-Super-Mare and then get home for Christmas. A few times I’ve been doing panto and I’ve been stranded away from home over Christmas because the trains don’t run.

If you were going on a drive for pleasure, who would you take?
I’d take the Mrs: Stacey (Solomon). She doesn’t really like driving so I do all the driving when we go anywhere together. And I like that. Driving is still a novelty for me so I always want to get behind the wheel. I’m sure that will wear off at some point. I also really love my time in the car with my little boy. It’s amazing what kids come out with sometimes, and of course they can’t run away!

Do you ever go for a drive for the sake of it?
Sometimes I do. But only really when I need to clear my head. Driving is brilliant for doing that. And the sensation of freedom. The first time you drive on your own, that feeling is amazing. There’s also that little thought: ‘Have I blagged my way through the test, or can I really drive?’ Now I’ve got over that, I love it.

If you were taking the Scenic Route and it wasn’t in Scotland where would it be?
After doing The Jump I’ve got really into skiing so I’d probably go somewhere like Austria. I was driving around in Austria for The Jump and the views were amazing so I’d like to explore it a bit more.

What car do you have at the moment?
Nothing too silly because I’m a new driver. I’ve got an Audi A1. I haven’t got a clue what engine it’s got other than it’s a petrol! I think I’ll upgrade it this summer.

If you had unlimited funds, what car would you buy?
I have never been massively into cars. But I’d like something that is not too flashy. Perhaps a Range Rover. I’m not really a speed freak; it’s comfort over going quickly every time for me. And they’re made by the same people who make the little old Land Rover I’m driving at the moment. I like that. It’s got real character.

If you broke down and you couldnt call a breakdown company could you cope?
I am not in the slightest bit mechanically minded. Plus you open your bonnet on a modern car and everything’s covered up. Some geezer waved me down the other day and asked me to jump him. I thought what? I had my little boy in the back and he wanted to get home but I thought I’d better help this fella. Anyway, it took me ages to find out how to do it. I was in the car for about 20 minutes before I’d figured out which battery terminal was which. So I jumped him - helped out a fellow driver. I have joined the club now!

What’s your first motoring memory?
My dad passed away when I was 12, but before that we used to go on holiday to the south of France. We’d hook up the caravan and do a two or three day drive down there. Me, my two sisters and my mum and dad. My dad was pretty good like that. We broke down a couple of times but he always had it covered with breakdown services and so on. I remember they were really good times.

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com