Bear Grylls was ‘tapped up’ by UK Government to be strongman Ambassador to Donald Trump’s White House

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The Mirror understands the TV adventurer was approached to be our man in Washington – the job that has now gone to Labour peer Peter Mandelson

The Government approached TV adventure man Bear Grylls to be Britain’s ambassador to Washington, the Mirror understands.

Labour peer Peter Mandelson was named our man in the US – and is currently going through the process of being approved by Donald Trump’s White House.

But it’s understood Mr Grylls was indeed approached about the position. It’s unclear how far discussions went before Lord Mandelson was selected.

He was quizzed about the rumour on Good Morning Britain this morning, giving an evasive non-answer.

Mr Grylls would be an interesting pick for our link to the Trump administration.

He’s a former member of the SAS, which would appeal to the President’s preference for strong men in government positions. After leaving the service he – like Trump – forged a successful TV career with his series Man vs Wild.

He’s had a number of hit series in the US, and served as Chief Scout for nine years until last September.

Mr Grylls was asked whether he’d been approached for the role by Ed Balls on Good Morning Britain – and gave a curious response.

“I think I’m going to leave politics aside,” he stammered. “But yeah, he, I think, um…I love America. I love our country. I love seeing them work together. Let’s hope he does a good job.”

Pressed again on whether he was approached, he said: “Uh, I don’t know. We’ll see, we’ll see. I think let’s hope he does a great job.”

Trump has approved Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the US, the Labour peer has reportedly told friends.

The so-called ‘agrément’ is approved if a diplomat nominated by a state is acceptable to the receiving state.

The next stage is for Lord Mandelson to travel to Washington, to hand in a “letter of credence” to be rubber-stamped by the White House.

It would be extremely unusual for them to withdraw their approval at this stage.

It comes after the Mirror revealed in November that people in Trump’s orbit were privately advising him to reject Lord Mandelson as the UK ambassador.

Initially they had reservations about his former position with the EU – and in recent days more concerns were raised about his position on China.

It was reported earlier that a group of Republican senators handed a dossier detailing his “close Chinese connections” to the FBI.

Lord Mandelson has denied ever conducting business in China.

The Prime Minister’s spokesman said Lord Mandelson has declared all his interests as part of the clearance process.

He said: “On that specific report, the Foreign Office don’t recognise the reports of a dossier.

“More broadly, there’s obviously an established regime in place for the management of interests held by ambassadors or high commissioners.

“This ensures that steps are taken to avoid or mitigate any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest, and all candidates are subject to background checks and security clearance.

“Whilst we do not usually comment on individuals, Lord Mandelson has made all relevant declarations as part of this process.

“And this ensures that steps are taken to avoid or mitigate any potential or perceived conflicts of interest.”

Downing Street was approached for comment.