In too deep?

Dr Ranj Singh and Corrie’s Colson Smith on overcoming their fears for an epic challenge…

- Caren Clark

On a crisp and sunny February day, TV Times is at Salford Quays in Manchester, where This Morning’s Dr Ranj Singh giggles as he gathers speed while rowing along the water. Nearby, Coronation Street star Colson Smith sings Rock the Boat a tad anxiously as he is shown how to move his blades before stepping into his vessel.

We’re watching training for Clash of the Channels, in which teams of TV stars (see our box, right) will compete in an epic rowing race for Sport Relief, raising funds to tackle mental health issues, domestic abuse, homelessness and child poverty.

Ranj, 40, and Colson, 21, are both in ITV’s boat and, while warming up with a post-training hot-water bottle, they tell us why they couldn’t wait to sign up...

Why were you both so keen to support Sport Relief?