No offence to the famous faces who are currently trying to master the paso doble for Strictly Come Dancing, or those who are gearing up for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, but Don’t Rock the Boat may well be the toughest challenge on TV.
The series, which begins tomorrow night and is broadcast across five consecutive evenings, sees a dozen stars attempting to row the entire length of Britain.
It’s presented by Freddie Flintoff and AJ Odudu, who are certainly excited.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge for the 12 rowers so I’m pleased I’ll be spending most of my time on dry land…hopefully!” says Freddie. “It should be a great watch for everyone at home and I can’t wait to get started.”
“This is going to be a great show, with an epic line-up. Such a brilliant mix of personalities and challenges which always makes for good telly,” adds AJ.
“I personally cannot wait to get going – especially filming with the legend that is Freddie Flintoff. We’re going to have so much fun. Bring it on.”
But then, as Freddie pointed out, they’ll be on dry land. It might be a different matter for the rowers. The famous faces taking the plunge are politician and author Tom Watson, Olympians Denise Lewis and Victoria Pendleton, actors Adam Thomas, Lucy Fallon and Craig Charles, model and broadcaster Jodie Kidd, singer-songwriter Fleur East, YouTuber Joe Weller, Love Island winner Jack Fincham, The Chase’s Shaun Wallace and Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.
They’ll be split into two groups of six, ready to battle it out over 500 gruelling miles, dealing with waves and wind.
Even when they are not out on the water, they won’t get to rest as they will have to take part in a series of on-shore challenges to score an advantage over the opposition.
In the opening episode, they’ll be tackling the first leg of their sea journey, which involves rowing 90 nautical miles from St Ives to Pembroke. It’s a 30-hour trip, which will find them facing sea sickness and exhaustion.
Meanwhile, the celebs on land don’t have it much easier as they are challenged to race down a 170ft cliff, face first, to secure luxury accommodation for their crew mates.
After that they are rowing the coast of Wales, where Victoria Pendleton’s competitive nature starts to ruffle a few feathers. Well you don’t get to be an Olympic champion without being driven, but is she in danger of breaking the show’s cardinal rule and rocking the boat?
Don’t Rock the Boat, ITV, Mon, 9pm
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe