The Summit

The one where Ben Shephard goes up a hill. A group of novice climbers joins him. They are to work as a team to reach the 2600m peak of Mount Head in New Zealand, within a limit of 14 days.

According to a press preview, the show tests strength, resilience and strategy as the team go up in the world, and try to win a potential £200,000 prize, a share of which they each carry along the trek. There's treacherous terrain to navigate, glacial lakes to cross, and dangerous ravines to bridge. From time to time, the party reaches "base camps", where the group is required to vote off the climber seen as the weakest.

And there's a menacing black helicopter dogging their progress; "The Mountain's Keeper" tries to ratchet up the pressure with ruthless challenges. Although players may be eliminated, their cash is not - and someone's got to carry it up to the top.

Every show needs a little bit of stunt casting; among those hoping to go the distance are pageant coach Afton, the daughter of wellness influencer Gillian McKeith; and Reverend Warren, better known as Ace from ITV’s original series of Gladiators. Ben Shephard is quoted as saying, "There are so many different characters. And they all have their own personal summit they want to reach."

This programme has not yet aired. A full review will appear here after broadcast.

According to the press release announcing the show, The Summit was originally created by Endemol Shine Australia and 9Network. It premiered in May 2023 and has quickly become Banijay Entertainment’s next adventure reality hit, now globally active in seven markets including recent commissions across Europe and the US, and two successful series in Australia.