Gethin Jones back on Army duty

The Welsh-born television presenter finished third in the fifth series of the popular BBC1 dancing competition in 2007, where he danced the jitterbug with partner Camilla Dallerup while kitted out in the military attire.

"My dad got a load of phone calls about the dance, because apparently I look a lot like my grandfather did at my age," explains the 35-year-old, who made his name as a Blue Peter presenter but is now a regular on ITV's Daybreak.

"My dad never gets emotional, but seeing me dressed in that uniform looking like my grandfather made him emotional, and it made me quite proud to feel like my grandfather."

Jones has fond memories of his late grandfather, who was in the RAF, and has found himself thinking about him more recently.

For the third year running, he has flown to Afghanistan to present BBC1's Remembrance Week, commemorates troops past and present.

Despite the dangers of going out there, the courage of the soldiers has inspired Jones.

"In a weird way, I look forward to going to Afghanistan every year," he says. "Every single person I have met out there has been wonderful and wonderfully humble. You just feel they are getting on with their jobs. They are a pleasure to be around."

Although pleased for him, his parents and sister were understandably concerned when Jones first hotfooted it over to the war-torn country.

He says: "Not for one second do I realise the implication of going out there. That's felt mostly by my family, when they're going, 'You're not going out there again are you?'

"But I love it, and I feel very blessed to be chosen to do the job, to host it and to tell the stories."

His mum and dad have also had a little involvement. "My parents picked me up from the airport when we flew back with the rest of the troops," he says. "I was keen for them to see all the soldiers meeting their friends, families and kids (off the plane).

"That was very powerful. Six months away from home ... imagine how much a child changes in that time."

His experiences have inspired him to research ways in which he can help.

"I have been looking into becoming a reservist," he says. "I have this connection with the way they do their business. It is very disciplined and I like that, so I am looking to see if there is anything I can do to help. Nothing to report yet but I am looking into it."

It is clear Jones's time with the troops has made a lasting impression on him. He says: "I worry about the younger generation, because being on the front line, or seeing your friend being blown up, always stays with you.

"While those soldiers are brave and get through the tour, what happens after? What happens in those quiet moments when you are on your own?

"That is when I think about those guys the most, and that is why I am such a massive fan of any charity that helps soldiers who have been injured, or struggled when they have come back. The more money and awareness we have for those guys, the better."

Jones may not have fought on the front line but, over the years, he's had his fair share of action man-style feats, including a Royal Marines challenge that only one other civilian has completed.

"I did the Commando Yomp, a 30-mile speed march, that was hideous," he says, laughing.

"I am quite a boring date. I usually get that I completed the Yomp in before 'hello!' I am very proud of that."

It's unlikely the star, who was previously engaged to singer Katherine Jenkins, is a dull date. As well as filming in Afghanistan, Jones has been busy training for a half-marathon, working on Daybreak and recently performed a routine with Strictly partner Dallerup for the opening ceremony of the Rugby League World Cup in Cardiff.

He was apprehensive about taking to the floor again. "It was in front of 60,000 people at the Millennium Stadium. Strictly was five years ago and they still have the same measurements for my jive outfit. I was worried I was going to be popping out everywhere!"

l Remembrance Week, BBC1, every day this week at 9.15am.