Bear Grylls versus Channing Tatum in helicopter backflip

There were several cameras around him but certainly no stunt double when Channing Tatum decided to backflip from out of a hovering helicopter into a lake.

Leading by example was survivalist Bear Grylls who encouraged Tatum to take the plunge with a mix of flattery and peer pressure.

"You're such a legendary dancer; I reckon we should go for the backflip," Grylls said, obviously a fan of Tatum's performance in Magic Mike.

"I've never done a backflip before," said a squeamish Tatum.

"Just remember: do not jump up. You'll get a haircut you'll never forget," Grylls warned him.

Grylls then stepped onto the landing skids of the chopper and flipped the 10-metre drop into the water.

With a little psyching up, Tatum followed him down into the lake.

The pair was embarking on a journey for the new series Running Wild with Bear Grylls in which the UK's favourite survivalist takes on the wilderness with the added baggage of some Hollywood's biggest names.

Other celebrity challengers include Zac Efron, Ben Stiller and comedian Tom Arnold.

Source: Running Wild with Bear Grylls
Author: Nicholas McCallum, Approving editor: Nick Pearson