IT may have been described as one of the world’s toughest jobs but when Warrington Collegiate student Stephen Greenall became a skyscraper window cleaner, he knew his nerves were going to be sky-high.
But, as the 19-year-old braved the draw-dropping heights to clean some of the tallest buildings in Canada, his experiences were caught on camera as part of BBC3 World’s Toughest Jobs.
He said: “Travel is in my blood. I studied it for three years, have done voluntary work in South America and wanted to do more.
“The World’s Toughest Jobs seemed perfect so I was delighted when I got the call saying ‘come down to London, we want to see you in person.’
“Then they told me I was going to Toronto as a skyscraper window cleaner. I was shocked, excited, nervous and speechless.”
It was never going to be easy but Stephen, who studied aviation and cabin crew at the Winwick Road College, vowed to prove all those who had ever doubted him that he had what it takes to conquer his fears.
He even managed to brave nauseating heights to clean the second largest building in Toronto, the Plaza Bank Building.
“It was extremely tough. The cameras were on from when you got up to 10.30pm at night. It certainly wasn’t all plain sailing.
“At times I just wanted to be back with my friend on the cabin crew course at Warrington Collegiate.
"I went through a whole rollercoaster of emotions, but am so glad I stayed the full three weeks.
“I proved something to everyone. I can do it. I even got offered the job.”
Stephen, who says he has made life-long friends with his co-stars Dom and Darci, believes the show has given him a new perspective and banished his fear of heights.
He added: “When I was working up so high I felt like I could see the whole world. It was absolutely breathtaking.
“As you climb up the ladders you open this little door and all you see is blue sky. The sun feels amazingly close. It just leaves you speechless.”
Stephen’s episode is set to be broadcast on Tuesday, March 10, at 9pm on BBC3.
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