Bear Grylls leaves Discovery Channel

Intrepid TV adventurer and Chief Scout Bear Grylls has left the Discovery Channel after a row over "new programming", his publicist said today.

The 37-year-old, whose show Born Survivor runs on the channel, has skydived over Mount Everest and crossed the Sahara for the programme which is broadcast in the United States as Man vs Wild.

His US-based publicist Heather Krug said: "Bear's goal has always been to make life-empowering shows for his many fans around the globe, and he has taken great risks to bring Discovery such award winning programming over seven seasons.

"Unfortunately, Bear and Discovery have not been able to come to mutual agreement on new programming, and he disagrees with Discovery's decision to terminate current productions.

"Bear has loved the Man vs Wild journey and looks forward to producing further cutting-edge content again soon for his loyal audience."

Grylls was the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest when he was 23, and has presented television programmes including Escape To The Legion.

He spent three years in the military with the Special Air Service and became Chief Scout in 2009.

He tweeted fans thanks for their support, adding: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

A spokeswoman for the channel said: "Due to a continuing contractual dispute with Bear Grylls, Discovery has terminated all current productions with him."

PA