I have to say, I'm gob-smacked at the vitriol shown by many people on this site who I deeply respect.
There appears to be an inability to separate the man on the telly with the man himself.
Ladies and gents, it's television - it's not real! In order to make things more entertaining for the target audience, some things are set up. Indeed, some people here are passing comment having never even seen the programme. This is the kind of attitude I expect from reactive politicians.
The man has a TV persona as he gets paid for making popular programmes that help sell advertising. It's his job. If anyone saw the programme on paramotoring near Everest that he did, I think they would see something a bit closer to the real person. The guy who has climbed Everest (have you?), trekked to the Pole (have you?), passed SAS selection (have you?), got his own TV series? (have you? Sit down, Ray...). Did he fake those?
As a climber, I don't support the commercialisation of 8000m peaks but, frankly, if you can actually get up to the summit of the highest mountain in the world on your own two feet, kudos. If he'd done it Alpine-style, however, I'd worship the ground he walked on.
Surely these achievements qualify him as an inspirational character who can lead the Scouts? Certainly no-one can doubt his drive. If I had kids, I'd be happy for them to be in the Scouts with Bear Grylls as Chief Scout.
Sure, he may not be perfect but who is? I wouldn't say I'm a fan of his but I'm gaining more respect for him.
Good on him and good on the Scouting movement.