Ben Shephard has revealed the unexpected reason filming for his new ITV show, The Summit, faced delays, in an exclusive chat with Entertainment Daily.
The adventure series, which debuts next Tuesday (February 10), follows 14 strangers tackling New Zealand’s rugged mountain terrain over 14 days.
Contestants face grueling physical and strategic challenges, aiming to reach the summit for a share of up to £200,000, while battling harsh conditions and making tough choices — including voting competitors out.
Ben is hosting new show The Summit (Credit: ITV)
Ben Shephard on new ITV show The Summit
Ahead of the show’s launch, ED! sat down with Ben to discuss the exciting new series. Filmed in 2024, the show is as much about the contestants as the challenges themselves.
“I’m most excited for the audience to meet the contestants. The format itself is incredible — it’s already a huge success around the world — so I know viewers will fall in love with it regardless. But this show is really made by these extraordinary 14 people,” he said.
“They come from completely different walks of life, with a wide range of physical abilities, backgrounds, and life experiences, and they’re all willing to put themselves into this intense scenario. That’s what excites me most. I’ve stayed in touch with many of them, and they’ve been waiting for such a long time for this moment. As soon as the trailer came out, they’re so excited — because they’ve lived it. Trying to explain that experience to someone who hasn’t seen it is incredibly hard.
“It’s only when you actually see the challenges — crossing a rope bridge and having to cut it, navigating a ravine with just two ropes, being chased by a helicopter just yards behind them, or dealing with crampons and ice axes — that you really understand what they went through. It sounds like a dream and a nightmare all at once.”
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