Retired RAF navigator from Burscough to appear on dangerous drivers TV show

Feb 14 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

A RETIRED RAF navigator is set to star in a new TV series about dangerous drivers.

Dudley Valentine will be shown seeking to address his aggressive and inconsiderate driving on Channel 5’s Dangerous Drivers’ School.

The 70-year-old, from Burscough, explained how his partner Lynne was the driving force behind his appearance on the show.

He said: “I’m not a dangerous driver by any means – I’ve been driving 53 years and only ever had one accident – but I have got into bad habits that give Lynne a bit of concern.”

On the show, Dudley will be shown driving around the streets of Burscough, the M58 and Skelmersdale with AA instructor Ashley Grigg on board to offer some advice.

Dudley, who said his driving has changed for the better since taking part, is no stranger to the TV screens, having featured on several quiz shows, winning the jackpot of £50,000 on a lottery programme six years ago and recently taking home the trophy on BBC1 general knowledge show Pointless.

After retiring from the RAF he went into the motoring industry and has had spells working at Ormskirk RUFC and as president of The Rotary Club of Skelmersdale and Up Holland.

In November, Dudley had the honour of taking his 94-year-old Scottish father Leslie – a veteran pilot who risked his life helping British troops during the D-Day landings – to Downing Street where he was presented with a Defence Medal by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Dudley said: “It was a very proud moment. I followed in my dad’s footsteps by go into Air Force after university, I came out after 12 years and it’s probably one of my regrets that I came out when I did.”

Danger Dangerous Drivers’ School is on at 8pm tonight (Thursday) on Channel 5.