Jordan North defends himself after being rescued while trying to save dog in the Thames

Capital FM host Jordan North has been forced to defend himself after he was 'rescued' by the RNLI during a terrifying dog rescue on the River Thames in London.

Nicola Croal SEO Writer and Susan Knox

12:25, 18 Dec 2024

Jordan North has recounted his risky rescue of a dog from the River Thames

Jordan North has defended himself after being rescued from the Thames while saving a dog(Image: PA)

I'm A Celeb's Jordan North has spoken out after a dramatic rescue from the River Thames when he jumped in to save a struggling labrador.

The 34-year-old Capital FM host leapt into action while out jogging near Hammersmith Bridge, only to end up needing assistance himself when he faced difficulties in the water.

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Thankfully, Chiswick RNLI were conducting a drill nearby and sped to the scene in just three minutes. Once rescued, Jordan gratefully mentioned on Capital Breakfast: "A big thank you and a massive shout out to RNLI Chiswick who came and rescued me because I was getting a bit panicky."

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Jordan North was rescued by the RNLI after he tried to save his dog who had jumped into the Thames(Image: RNLI)

He added the team's prompt arrival was critical, saying: "I was getting a bit nervy as well because I thought my legs are going to go, I can't hold on much longer so they got there just in time. The real heroes here are the RNLI who came out and got me, put a blanket round me. They're the heroes."

Many have hailed Jordan's actions during the rescue as heroic, yet some detractors have branded the radio presenter 'selfish', criticising that he squandered the resources of the RNLI team.

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In response to the backlash, Jordan defended himself on his Wednesday morning broadcast, stating: "A lot of people have made out like I went into the river which I would never have done and basically I just kind of climbed over a fence, a wall.

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"To go to a jetty and get the dog out and then I got stuck on a beam and the RNLI had to come and rescue me and the dog. The RNLI have a video of it."

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Despite the mixed opinions, Jordan has received a wave of positive support from the public.

Jordan North attends BBC Radio 1 Out Out! Live 2021 at Wembley Arena on October 16, 2021 in London, England

The Capital FM host has received some backlash for his risky decision(Image: Redferns)

He shared: "Loads of press and people and Sky and LBC asking for an interview and I went to the gym yesterday and people were coming up to me, no one ever comes up to me at the gym. Jeremy the taxi driver this morning was like 'this is on me', I was like 'no I'll pay'."

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This incident gains attention as the RNLI aims to raise awareness through its annual Christmas fundraising appeal, honouring crews that ensure our safety during the festive season. Gavin, a father of two, will take part in this effort by working overnight shifts at Chiswick Lifeboat Station from December 23rd to 27th.

RNLI lifeboats are known to launch more than 100 times throughout the Christmas holidays each year.

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