ITV1 and ITVX announce epic new adventure reality series The Summit

ITV1 and ITVX announce epic new adventure reality series The Summit

Ben Shephard will host this adrenaline-filled competition, which sees brave
contestants embark on a thrilling journey to reach the peak of one of New Zealand's
most spectacular mountains

ITV1 and ITVX announced a brand-new adventure reality series The Summit, produced by Shine TV, part of Banijay UK, coming to screens in 2025.

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 as 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?

The Summit is made by Shine TV for ITV. It was commissioned by ITV Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions Paul Mortimer and ITV Commissioning Editor, Reality Amanda Stavris.

Executive Producers are Matt Bennett and Mandy Morris.

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 and determination to get to the end. I'll be donning my mountain gear to check in with them at various stages along the route, as they do their best to combat the demands of the ominous Mountain's Keeper."

Paul Mortimer, ITV Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions, said: "Not only is this a huge and complex endurance test for the contestants, but it's also 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 nail-biting 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.

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.