Jeff Brazier Apologizes to Son Bobby After Awkward Comment on Live TV
Jeff Brazier found himself issuing an apology to his son Bobby after making an awkward remark during a live appearance on The One Show. The 45-year-old television presenter joined Roman Kemp and Alex Scott to discuss the upcoming series of Celebrity Race Across The World, a popular BBC show where four pairs compete to reach various destinations using any means of transportation other than air travel.
In this new series, Jeff is teamed up with his younger son, Freddie, rather than his elder son, Bobby, who is well-known for his role as Freddie Slater on EastEnders and for his stint on Strictly Come Dancing. When asked about his choice, Jeff explained it as a matter of “natural selection.”
“[Freddie] has that staying power, that sort of stomach for challenges. So, I knew he’d be good,” Jeff said on The One Show. “Plus, he’s a quick thinker and as he just said, he takes lots of risks. I think you have to have a different way of thinking about things.”
However, Jeff quickly realized his comment might offend his elder son, adding, “Poor Bob, he’s going to be offended about that. Bob would’ve been a great teammate in so many other respects as well.”
Jeff further explained his reasoning, mentioning that while Bobby has had some wonderful experiences, he felt that Freddie could greatly benefit from a big life experience like this. “No better way than traveling somewhere afar,” Jeff added, reported the Sun.
During the show, Jeff also shared a story from the family’s past that influenced his decision. He recalled a challenging hiking trip in Scotland where the family, guided up a cliff face in torrential rain, had to endure tough conditions. “Bobby was literally hating me after about two minutes,” Jeff recounted. “Freddie just got on with it, he was like a machine. I think ever since then, I’d seen what was really special about Fred.”
The upcoming series of Celebrity Race Across The World features several other famous faces, including radio DJ Scott Mills and his husband Sam, model Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy, and Ted Lasso actor Kola Bokinni with his cousin Mary Ellen. Last season, weather presenter Alex Beresford and his father Noel took home the victory. As the series prepares to air, Jeff’s candid comments and subsequent apology have added a personal touch to what promises to be an exciting and competitive adventure.