HIGH DRAMA

A NEW REALITY SERIES SEES PLAYERS SCALE NEW ZEALAND'S ALPS TO WIN A CASH PRIZE. HOST BEN SHEPHARD TELLS KERRI-ANN ROPER ALL ABOUT IT

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Warren, front, in his Gladiator days

WHEN TV presenter Ben Shephard was just 19, he fell in love with New Zealand. He never imagined that some 30 years later he'd be returning there to host an exciting new ITV series.

The This Morning and Tipping Point star, 51, fronts The Summit, which will see 14 contestants tackling the Alps of New Zealand’s South Island over a number of weeks. Their climb and path is not straightforward as they travel 100km over tricky terrain, with perilous crossings, and a series of challenges set for them by the mysterious Mountain’s Keeper.

They're competing for a share of a potential prize pot of £200,000, with each contestant carrying a cut of the winnings with them in backpacks up the mountain.

Talking about the appeal of hosting the new series, Ben explains he first visited New Zealand many years ago as a teen.

“The chance to go to New Zealand... I hadn’t had a chance to go back, was a massive, massive bonus,” he says.

“I think it's my favourite country in the world. I think it’s just a remarkable place, epic scenery. The backdrop makes you feel like you're in a Hollywood movie.

“The contestants are incredible. I love getting to know them, and them putting themselves in the line of fire to try and climb a mountain in 14 days to change their lives. There's nothing in this that I didn’t absolutely love.”