I'm a world record-holding Blackpool strongman and you won't believe what I did to my son in my latest stunt

Dad's are supposed to provide support for their children, but strongman Steve Stevens and son Rory take it to a new level.

Six-year-old Rory became his record-breaking dad's assistant at Pinder’s Circus in Blackpool this week as, with the muscular support of Steve, Rory thrilled the crowd as he dangled in the air, suspended by chains which he dad held between his teeth.

But, lifting up your 6-year-old son using your jaw-strength alone aside, feats of unusual strength are all in a day's work for 36-year-old Steve, known to circus goers and strongman contest fans as Titan.

Steve, who was born and lives in the resort, has been performing at circuses all over the UK since 2019. And when he's not entertaining the crowds in the sawdust ring, Steve competes in strongman competitions breaking impossible records.

Amazingly, he also finds time to moonlight as a mental health support worker. He said: "I love the circus. For me it's the best entertainment around. For just a few pounds, audiences can enjoy watching some of the most skilled entertainers. For me, it is vital we support this great art form."

Aside from Pinder’s, Steve spent several years with the Circus of Horrors, often performing at Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort. Sadly, the circus disbanded in 2024 following the death of ringmaster and founder Doktor Haze.

"I used to love performing with the Circus of Horrors, but I get excited if I'm driving down the road and see a circus tent in the distance," said Steve. "The feeling of arriving in a new town and within hours the tent is up and the seats are out waiting for an audience is fantastic."

Another thing that gives Steve pleasure is smashing records set by other strongmen.

In May 2022, after breaking the world record for bending 25 steel nails in half in just a minute, he set another by hammering eight five inch nails into wood with his bare hands at Milton Keynes Stadium. The stunt was one he had perfected in hundreds of performances with the Circus of Horrors.

In his latest feat of record breaking strength, Steve wowed the audience at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena breaking a strict press record held by former five-times UK Strongest Man Glenn Ross.

Glenn had held the record for 20 years and looked set to hold it for many more before Steve stepped up. To win he had to beat the record of 13 single arm presses with a 78kg weight. Steve managed an extra two repetitions to become the current record holder.

Dad-of-four Steve says he would be proud if any of his children - Bruce, Rory, Elbie or Lula - followed him into the circus life. "I wouldn't pressurise them into it, but it is a great life," he said. "I'll never tire of the feeling of standing waiting to go into the ring. Your hair stands on end as your intro music begins and you can't wait to perform.

"If any of the kids want to follow in my footsteps, I won't stand in their way."