On the way down from the tower, there was a huge air bag to cushion the landing set up but in reality, the sag in the rope slowed the persons to a manageable speed.
Blackpool Tower provided the dramatic backdrop for one of Roy Castle’s memorable television challenges when the popular presenter took part in a high-wire descent for the BBC programme Record Breakers. Suspended hundreds of feet above the promenade in the summer of 1987, Castle travelled from the Tower along a tensioned wire to ground level, attracting large crowds who gathered to watch the spectacular stunt unfold. Although celebrated as the face of Record Breakers, Roy Castle was far more than a presenter. Throughout the programme’s long run he willingly took part in many of the feats featured on the series, sharing the excitement, determination and occasional nerves experienced by record holders and challengers alike. His enthusiasm and good humour helped make Record Breakers one of Britain’s best-loved family television programmes.
Roy Castle & Cheryl Baker celebrating with the Marines after their successful record-breaking descent from the tower by rope slide.
The Blackpool Tower challenge added another remarkable event to the landmark’s long history of publicity stunts and televised spectacles. For Castle, it demonstrated the adventurous spirit that made him so popular with viewers, while for Blackpool it showcased one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks to millions of television audiences across the country. Today, the event remains a fondly remembered chapter in both Roy Castle’s television career and the continuing story of Blackpool Tower, a landmark that has provided the setting for countless record attempts, celebrations and memorable moments throughout its history.
To see more about Roy Castle in a Blackpool Timeline photo exclusive, please click here.
Roy Castle nears the promenade at the end of his trip from 400 feet up.
Roy and Cheryl celebrating with a well-earned glass of champagne.
Images by © David Hulme
