Lee Mack & Holly Willoughby to host new BBC One reality show
- Lee Mack and Holly Willoughby will host a new entertainment series for BBC One
- Airing next year, Wim Hof's Superstar Survival will challenge celebrities in sub-zero temperatures
- Wim Hof is a Dutch "cold weather treatment advocate" with global A-list followers
Lee Mack and Holly Willoughby are co-hosting a new entertainment reality series on BBC One.
Wim Hof's Superstar Survival, set to air in 2022, will see a group of celebrities put through a series of challenging tasks "in Europe's harshest conditions, for a journey of serious self-discovery in a bid to defeat their demons, from anxiety and insomnia to ongoing health conditions".
The challenges will be fronted by the eponymous Dutch cold-weather treatment advocate Wim Hof, who "teaches people from all over the world, from celebrities and professional athletes, to people of all ages, to control their body and mind and achieve extraordinary things".
Produced by Hungry Bear Media, six hour-long episodes are being filmed for broadcast next year, alongside six further half-hours of a spin-off companion show on BBC Three.
Promising "genuine reality, high drama, jeopardy and plenty of laughs", the BBC explains: "With A-list followers ranging from Tom Cruise to Justin Bieber and Oprah Winfrey to David Beckham, Wim Hof earnt his nickname 'The Iceman' after setting world records that defied modern medicine: running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, submerging himself in ice for 1hr 52mins and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in just his shorts and shoes. Wim teaches people from all over the world, from celebrities and professional athletes, to people of all ages, to control their body and mind and achieve extraordinary things.
"In addition to the main series on BBC One, BBC Three will offer viewers a sister show that will delve deeper into the unique challenges the celebrities will face in. The laugh out loud spin off show promises behind the scenes action, hilarious and bone chilling challenges, and an exclusive light-hearted take on the BBC One series."
Hof says: "I've dedicated my life to discovering how to become happier, healthier and stronger, and anything I can do, you can do too. It's a dream come true to be making this show with the BBC and share what I've learnt with millions of people. I am going to show this group of celebrities that the cold is a doorway to their soul and if they use the power of their mind anything is possible."
Holly Willoughby says: "I can't wait to team up with Lee and Wim on this show. Lee is a favourite in our house because he's so hilariously funny and I've been a fan of Wim for a long time - he's a genius who's incredibly passionate about helping others. This show is going to be brilliantly entertaining and you never know ... you may find out some things that could help you along the way too."
Lee Mack says: "My passions in life are Wim Hof, watching This Morning in my undies, sub-zero temperatures, looking at celebrities sitting in cold water and free hotels. But trying to find a show that combines these has proved tricky. Finally I've found one."
Kate Phillips, Director of Entertainment at the BBC says: "Wim Hof's Superstar Survival will put celebrities through their paces like never before. I'm looking forward to seeing how they cope with such extreme challenges under the watchful eye of the ultimate Cold King, Wim Hof. With Lee and Holly guiding us through, and taking it very seriously of course, it promises to be a very funny, and frosty watch!"
Dan Baldwin, MD of Hungry Bear Media says: "Teaming up Lee Mack and Holly Willoughby is exciting enough for BBC One viewers...but then add in the 'tour de force' that is Wim Hof...plus a group of celebrities trying to better themselves in some of the most dangerous conditions on earth...and what you get is quite simply unmissable TV".