Man vs. Wild’s Bear Grylls 'fired after he refused to participate in two upcoming projects'

He’s eaten piranha, dived into freezing bogs full of animal remains, and huddled in sheep carcases for warmth, but there is one thing Man vs. Wild’s Bear Grylls reportedly refused to do – work on two yet unannounced projects with the Discovery channel.

A Discovery Channel spokesperson told the Hollywood Reporter exclusively that they have ended their relationship with the wilderness guru.

‘Due to a continuing contractual dispute with Bear Grylls, Discovery has terminated all current productions with him,’ the spokesperson said.

Natural selection: Bear Grylls and Discovery Channel no longer have a working relationship, a source said

Man vs. Network: The source says Grylls refused to participate in two of Discovery Channel's upcoming shows



Sources told the entertainment website that Grylls has been unwilling to participate in two upcoming projects, in violation of his contract.

Grylls, 37, has been starring in the series since 2006, and has travelled all over the globe, from Nambia to Zambia, and from the Arctic Circle to China.

The sixth season of the series wrapped up production last August.

The show documented the British adventurer’s travels as he made his way through some of the most inhospitable places on Earth.

While the news comes as something of a shock, Grylls will hardly be scraping for his next project.



He has garnered something of a cult following for his blood-and-mud-covered adventures, and has several projects on the horizon.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that his memoir, Mud, Sweat, and Tears is due out in the U.S. this May. In the UK, it is already a best-seller.

Frozen: In the show's tenure, Grylls visited some of the most inhospitable places on Earth

Hardly delicacies: Grylls is famous for his near-Fear Factor eating habits

From A to Zebra: In one episode, Grylls chowed down on a zebra carcas

On top of celebrity endorsements for brands like Dockers and Degree deodorant, Grylls’ clothing brand is sold at Wal Mart and outdoor adventure store REI.

The show – aired as Born Survivor in the UK – ran into considerable controversy in 2007 when it was revealed that he and his camera crews would spend the night in hotels, rather than camping in the wild, as the show depicted.

MUD, SWEAT, AND TEARS: LIFE AND TIMES OF BEAR GRYLLS Grylls was taught to climb by his late father on the Isle of Wight, and became the youngest ever person to successfully scale Mt Everest at 23. He then served for three years with the British Special Air Service.

During his service time, a free-fall parachute accident left him with a broken back. Grylls was approached by Discovery Channel after executives saw his TV series on Channel Four called Escape to the Legion.

He filmed 75 one-hour shows for Man vs Wild, and was often filmed eating all sorts of creepy crawlies and drinking his own urine for survival.

The series was briefly taken off the air and returned with a disclaimer reading: ‘Bear Grylls and the crew receive support when they are in potentially life threatening situations, as required by health and safety regulations.

‘On some occasions, situations are presented to Bear so he can demonstrate survival techniques. Professional advice should always be sought before entering any dangerous environment.’

Grylls told the AP in 2008: 'I think the new shows will reassure (fans). Everything is strong and double-checked. Discovery is so cautious of everything. If I so much as break wind on these shows, it's acknowledged now.'

Grylls said he slept in the hotel to spend time with his family.



The scandal wounded Gryll’s public image as being a rugged survivalist, and he was publically lambasted by Les Stroud of Survivorman.



Stroud said before he ended his popular show that being in the wilderness was incredibly demanding on his mind and body.



‘It takes a lot out of me as I really do what I do for real, with no camera crew, no nights in hotels like others do, and it takes a toll on my body,’ he told Reuters.

‘I need to move on,’ he added.

Grylls has also come under fire for his surmounting wealth – the reality star owns and lives on a private island in Wales and owns properties in Malibu and has a house barge on the Thames.

The Reporter noted that Grylls was not part of the network’s upfronts – the all-important week when television executives pitch their upcoming season programming.

Representatives for Grylls have not yet responded to request for comment.

Famous friends: Actor Jake Gyllenhaal joined Bear Grylls for the latest series, spending two days in Iceland

Brushes with royalty: Prince Harry (left) and Chief Scout Bear Grylls (right) helped launch The Soldier Challenge 2011 at The Imperial War Museum

Union Jack: Grylls met the Queen in patriotic footwear last December



