Paddy McGuinness at The ITV Gala at the Royal Festival Hall (Credit: Jeff Moore / SplashNews.com)
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Paddy McGuinness had therapy to beat his fear of flying ahead of Top Gear

He would get drunk before flying

Paddy McGuinness has admitted his fear of flying was so bad that he turned to therapy.

Paddy revealed he sought professional help to combat his phobia ahead of his new presenting role on Top Gear.

The Take Me Out host said he hated getting on a plane so much that he would often get “blind drunk” to get through a flight.

He hated flying (Credit: Zed Jameson / Flynet – SplashNews )

Paddy decided something had to change, as his new job requires him to drive cars after he’s flown in to location.

The dad-of-three told the Radio Times: “I didn’t like flying, I never have. I would get on flights blind drunk – that was my default setting.”

Paddy explained that he was forced to find a cure for his fear because of the amount he will be behind the wheel on Top Gear.

Paddy goes for a spin on the show (Credit: BBC/Top Gear Twitter)

Read more: Viewers blast Paddy McGuinness’ ‘unfunny’ and ‘uncomfortable’ interview on The One Show

The 45-year-old says therapy was the best decision he could have made because he is now over his phobia.

He continued: “So I went to see a doctor to combat my fear, and it was the best money I ever spent.

“Now it’s great. I’ll be giving you tips, Angela. It’s the best way to travel! I’m all over it now – I love it!”

Paddy will be joining his new co-host Freddie Flintoff on the car show, alongside returning presenter Chris Harris.

Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff
Paddy, Freddie and Chris are the new Top Gear team (Credit: @mcguinness.paddy Instagram)

Read more: Christine McGuinness overjoyed to be reunited with Paddy

It comes after Matt Le Blanc and Rory Reid left the series. The show’s previous line-up featured Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May.

In the new series, the trio explore the Borneo jungle and they even experiment with a converted hearse.

The boys film with a hearse (Credit: SplashNews.com)

The new series of Top Gear starts Sunday June 16 at 8pm on BBC2.

 Do you have a fear of flying like Paddy? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.


Aaliyah Ashfield
Digital Marketing Apprentice