David Dimbleby, 75, has surprised fans and viewers alike with a new tattoo.
The Question Time host has had a scorpion tattooed onto his shoulder that represents his star sign, Scorpio.
Deep. Seriously deep.
“It can’t be seen unless I choose to show it to someone. I’m rather fond of it actually, this little scorpion sitting on my shoulder ready to attack my enemies”
David got the tattoo done at Vagabond tattoo studio in Bethnal Green, East London as part of new BBC show Britain and the Sea.
The program has been made in partnership with the National Maritime Museum and explores how water has inspired art and literature within the country.
Speaking about the tattoo he told the Radio Times: “It’s modest.”
“It can’t be seen unless I choose to show it to someone. I’m rather fond of it actually, this little scorpion sitting on my shoulder ready to attack my enemies.”
The Question Time host, who is renowned for presenting election coverage on the BBC since 1979, was exploring the Polynesian art of tribal tattoos for the show.
David had initially turned down the opportunity to get a tattoo but changed his mind after having a pencil drawing done and seeing it on screen.
He said of the drawing: “When I saw it in a preview of the film I thought: ‘That’s a bit feeble.’ I thought it was wimpish having it just drawn on and I needed to man up.”
Of his change of heart he added: “You are only old once. I have always wanted a tattoo. I thought I might as well have it done now. It’s a dream come true for me”.
“It took about 30 minutes — an hour in all —and I thought of Winston Churchill having his done while mine was being done. It wasn’t painful at all, it just zings a bit.”
Britain and the Sea will be on BBC this Sunday at 9pm.
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