A TV programme next week will show Jonathan Ross petrifying his pants on a visit to Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough.
Jonathan Ross’ Myths and Legends will feature the presenter travelling the UK on the hunt for incredible tales as old as time.
He visited England’s oldest tourist attraction, Mother Shipton’s Cave, while filming the four-part series last summer.
The episode, due to broadcast on Monday, shows Ross learning about the legend of the Yorkshire Prophetess, who is said to have been born more than 500 years ago and foretold the Great Fire of London and the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
During his visit Ross visited the cave’s petrifying well, which can turn everyday items to stone. For centuries it was believed to be magic, but we now know it is due to the unusually high mineral content in the water.
The team at Mother Shipton’s asked Ross if he would like to donate anything to be petrified by the well to mark his visit, and he donated a pair of orange boxer shorts, which he affectionately called his lucky pants.
Visitors can now see Jonathan’s pants hanging from the petrifying well.
Once they’ve fully turned to stone, they’ll be on display in the museum alongside other donated items including Queen Mary’s petrified shoe, John Wayne’s petrified hat, and Bobby Davro’s petrified sock.
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A Mother Shipton’s spokesperson said:
“We loved having Jonathan Ross visit us last summer, he was such a down to earth and funny chap – exactly as you see him on television.
“He was genuinely interested and fascinated by the story of Mother Shipton and awestruck by the geological phenomenon that is the petrifying well.
“He also spoke very highly of our beautiful town of Knaresborough and very much enjoyed chatting with the locals in the pub in between filming.
“We are providing him and his team with regular updates on the petrification progress of the bright orange pants he left with us!”
Jonathan Ross’ Myths and Legends airs on Monday at 9pm on More 4.