Fogle lands in Antarctica for Pole race

Ben Fogle has landed in Antarctica ahead of a gruelling race to the geographic South Pole.

Doubt had been cast on whether the TV presenter would participate in the challenge after he caught a rare flesh-eating bug while filming Extreme Dreams in the Peruvian jungle.

Fogle, 35, was treated at the Hospital For Tropical Diseases At University College Hospital, London. PA reports that he has now arrived in Antarctica alongside his teammates James Cracknell and Ed Coats.

During the 420-mile expedition, Team QinetiQ will face weather temperatures as low as -50C (-58F). A spokeswoman for the team confirmed that they have arrived at the Novo Base, where they will spend the next fortnight acclimatising. Ten teams are taking part in the expedition, which starts on January 1.