Paddy McGuinness said he had to see a doctor about his fear of flying in order to do Top Gear.
The TV star took over as host alongside Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris for the last series of the BBC Two motoring show, and is now returning for another series.
Speaking at a Q&A at the world premiere in London, McGuinness said of getting the job: “For myself personally, I wasn’t very well travelled – been to Portugal once.
Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris (David Parry/PA)
“So when I got the gig I went to The Priory and saw a doctor to get me over my fear of flying and all that.”
“I’ve seen parts of the world I’d never normally see and it’s just been amazing,” he added.
The screening was held in London’s Leicester Square and was attended by Lord Tony Hall, who just hours earlier announced he was standing down as the BBC’s Director-General.
Lord Hall (David Parry/PA)
As he took to the stage at the Q&A, McGuinness joked: “It’s been a difficult day for Sir Tony, let’s be honest, but every cloud has a silver lining.
“So Tony, it’s a free bar – get stuck in son, you’ve earned it!”
Top Gear series 28 starts on Sunday January 26 at 8pm on BBC Two.
Paddy McGuinness had to tackle flying fear before joining Top Gear
