THE CHALLENGE: MARK WRIGHT TO HOST COMPETITION SERIES

The international hit reality competition format, which first hit screens in 1998, is coming to the UK.

The Challenge sees famous reality tv contestants compete in stunt-heavy, action-packed adventures around the world compete to win cash prizes and avoid elimination.

The winner of the UK series will advance to The Challenge: Global Championship, where they will compete against the winners of the Argentina, Australia and USA versions of the format.

The Sun now reports that reality star turned presenter Mark Wright will host the series, expected to be screened on Channel 5 and MTV in the UK in 2023. Mark Wright previously hosted dating series The Bachelor on Channel 5 in 2019.

A source told The Sun: "Mark really impressed the producers on The Challenge and they signed him up immediately. It is a big deal as it is the first time the show is being made with UK stars...

"Mark filmed the series at the end of last month in Argentina and he’ll be seen on screen as the celebrities take on a series of tough challenges. It is a role that was made for Mark because he loves fitness and is competitive. He got really stuck in during filming and if a second series is commissioned, the production wants Mark on board again."

The Sun have revealed that the first four to sign up for the UK version are The Only Way Is Essex star Ella Rae Wise; Love Island's Kaz Crossley; Love Island star Curtis Pritchard and his Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer brother AJ Pritchard.

The Mirror also reports that TV personality Joey Essex, Geordie Short's Nathan Henry, Love Island's Andrea-Jane Bunker and The Only Way Is Essex's James Lock have also signed up for the series.

A source told The Mirror: "MTV's The Challenge is set to air in the UK... the show will brought to Channel 5 exclusively for the first time ever in the UK. There's an amazing line up of big celebrities and reality stars...

They continued: "They are set to film in a South American location in October. The show is super intensive and will be a huge hit with the UK public."

More information, including additional casting and format details, will be revealed in due course.