Lancashire is getting the Hollywood treatment thanks to a Marvel stuntman returning to his hometown to open a new gym – but he's not turning his back on Tinsel Town.
Nicholas Whitcombe and Blackburn-born Hollywood stuntman Ben Jenkin are preparing to go into business together as 24-hour mega gym Body Tech Fitness gets ready to open its doors in Blackburn next year. The unit will take over a DW Sports Gym site, a space that's been vacant for years since the previous gym shut its doors.
With existing locations in Ellesmere Port and Winsford, the Blackburn gym is scheduled to open its doors in February next year. Ben, whose stuntman CV boasts credits on films like Spider-Man and The Fall guy has explained how he wants to give back to the community where he was raised, without turning his back on his impressive Hollywood career.
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Instagram/benjenx)Blackburn-born Ben bagged a management deal at just the age of 18 and headed over to America where he starred in music videos, dazzled in live performances, and led workshops. By 21, Ben had packed his bags for Los Angeles following a national Nike ad gig. His big break came with the 2016 Disney hit The Jungle Book, where he performed as Mowgli's lead stunt double.
His star continued to rise with roles in mega-hits like Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3, Fast and Furious 8, and Bad Boys 4. He's been the go-to stuntman for Hollywood heavyweights such as Jason Statham, Matthew McConaughey, Willem Dafoe, Will Poulter, and Ryan Reynolds, and is currently doubling for Ryan Gosling, after appearing in The Fall Guy.
Speaking to The Lancashire Telegraph, Nicholas revealed his childhood pal Ben was the one who initiated working together. He told the publication: "Ben approached me at the beginning of this year with a desire to bring something back to his hometown. On Ben’s most recent visit home he expressed an interest in bringing something special back to his hometown, as his intentions are to return home permanently once the time is right."
Established in 2013 near where Nick grew up, Body Tech gained global attention during 2020 by defying Tier 3 lockdown rules and triumphantly campaigning for gym re-openings. Their successful petition, amassing 650,000 signatures, played a part in changing government directives.
Writing on Instagram last month, Ben shared his joy as he updated his followers on The Body Tech. Captioning a series of work-in-progress pictures, Ben said: "Verrrry excited for this @bodytechgyms - 22,000 sq ft unit, city centre location situated next door to @nandosuk. Our first retail park presence aiming for a mid January opening this one will be our best yet. Same team, same dream, it’s an absolute privilege to stand alongside my oldest friends building the future together."
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