A GREENOCK man who became an internet sensation in 2023 after he engineered one of the sporting spectacles of the year appeared on a top TV show to relive the moment.

John Burleigh was invited to appear on the Channel 4's The Last Leg as part of their show looking back at quirky events of the year. 

The golf-loving Greenock businessman, and former Liberal Democrat election candidate, travelled to Rome for the Ryder Cup back in October. 

When Tommy Fleetwood ensured Europe would regain the trophy from the USA, an overjoyed John sprinted across the 16th green and jumped into the water in celebration.

Greenock Telegraph:
Buoyed by the reaction of the crowd, he got everyone clapping along before he jumped in again - twice. 

John explained that Channel 4 contacted him just days after the video of his dramatic dash across the green was viewed by millions all over the world. 

Greenock Telegraph:

He said being on the popular panel show, which is hosted by Adam Hills and co-hosted by Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker, was a fantastic experience. 

John added: "I enjoyed every minute. 

"I thankfully didn't have any cringe moments when I watched it back so I think it all worked out well. 

"It's something I would definitely do again."

John was joined by guests including Seann Walsh, Judi Love, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Ed Gamble and James Crossley, better known as Hunter from the original ITV series of The Gladiators, on the show. 

Greenock Telegraph:
He says he didn't suffer from pre-show nerves before filming started. 

John added: "I got the chance to meet everyone on the panel backstage before filming so I got to know them a bit and it gave me a bit of confidence. 

"I was well-prepared and knew what I would be saying.

"It was great seeing how everything works behind the scenes.

"I loved being in the make-up chair, it felt like I was really getting pampered!"

Before John was properly introduced, Josh called him a 'hero' and says he loved his 'chaotic celebration'. 

Entrepreneur John even presented Josh, Adam, and Alex with their very own 'Burns Bunnets' and scarves that he sells.

Greenock Telegraph:
When asked by Adam what made him jump into the water, he recalled being encouraged to do it by a group of fancy dress golf fans named The Bananamen, who he was standing beside in the crowd.

John said: "When Europe won, they said 'If you're going to do it, you should do it now', so I just took off.

"The rest is history."

John then left the sofa and jumped onto a huge mattress at the side of the studio, encouraging the crowd to clap along with him before he jumped onto the mattress again.

The Greenock businessman says the only reservation he had about the show was the amount of bad language. 

John added: "There's a lot of irreverent use of language and I have some reservations about that, but I loved everything else about it.

"The three hosts are fantastic entertainers."

Greenock Telegraph:
John says he's had amazing feedback from people who watched the show - including from Scottish professional golfer and former Ryder Cup-winning captain Sam Torrance.

He added: "Sam and I went to school together and I met him by chance in Largs just a few days ago. 

"He said he'd watched the show and told me I was brilliant. 

"People have been telling me I was a great addition to the show.

"I'm excited to see if anything comes of it."