THE SUMMIT: BEN SHEPHARD TO HOST UK VERSION OF REALITY SERIES FOR ITV

Hosted by Ben Shephard, 14 strangers from all walks of life will face the daunting challenge of climbing a mountain in the breathtaking, rugged Alps of New Zealand’s south island. They will also face the ultimate test of strategy and resilience as they compete for a share of a potential £200,000 cash prize.

With 14 days to reach the summit, and an equal share of the prize fund in their backpacks, the contestants will have to navigate treacherous terrain, wild conditions and overcome extraordinary challenges - set by the mysterious Mountain’s Keeper - that block their path to the peak.

But it isn’t just a test of physical strength; strategy plays a crucial role, as the cast will also have to eliminate their competitors along the way. Who will forge alliances? Who will betray? And ultimately who will have what it takes to conquer the mountain and claim the prize?

Host Ben Shephard said: “This series really has got it all; the contestants are going to be tested in every possible way as they try and take on the mountain. They’ll need a serious amount of grit, determination and strategy if they want to reach The Summit...

"Most people know how much I love exercise and adventure but this is taking it to another level - I’ll be donning my mountain gear to check in with them as they battle up the mountain and do their best to combat the demands of the ominous Mountain’s Keeper. I can’t wait to see how they get on because anyone who reaches The Summit will have seriously earned every penny of the prize fund.”

Paul Mortimer, ITV Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions, said: “Not only is this a huge and complex endurance test for the contestants, overseen by the wonderful Ben Shephard, it’s going to be an absolute nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat watch for viewers at home. Filled with cliffhangers, shocks, twists and turns it’s going to keep people guessing from the very first step of the trek to that final summit.”

Leon Wilson, CEO Shine TV, added: “Our contestants are ordinary Brits up for the challenge of their lives. It’s not about being the fittest or the strongest – this show will test resilience, relationships and mental strength as they battle to get the most money, and least amount of people to share it with, to the top. To do that they must survive intense challenges, survive nerve-wracking eliminations and form devious alliances. I just hope they are not afraid of heights.”

The Summit will air on ITV1, ITVX and STV and STV Player in 2025.