The Jump: Britain's most dangerous reality show is back
A BRAVE bunch of celebrities are about to test their mettle in the fourth series of Britain’s most dangerous reality show…
The Jump, Sunday, 7.30PM, Channel 4
It’s fair to say that few expected The Jump to return for a fourth series. But the reality show with the dubious distinction of having the highest casualty rate among contestants returns this week, sending another gaggle of celebrities to Austria to take a leap off the side of a mountain.
Viewers were shocked last year when seven of the 12 celebrities were injured – Rebecca Adlington dislocated her shoulder, Beth Tweddle broke vertebrae and Tina Hobley suffered arm and elbow injuries that are dogging her a year on. However, after a review of safety procedures, Channel 4 is ploughing on and with a condensed filming schedule to ramp up the fun – all contestants will remain in Austria for the duration of the competition so that they can participate in studio discussions.
So fingers are crossed and medical insurance topped up for another batch of sportspeople, ex-models and reality stars who’ve poured themselves into Lycra catsuits and will hit the slopes – in some cases quite literally – around Innsbruck and Kühtai, Austria.
Competing each episode in hair-raising events that include skeleton, bobsleigh, ski cross and giant slalom, the two participants with the slowest times in each event will enter into a live ski jump to remain in the competition.
We’ve rounded up the celebrities risking their necks in The Jump 2017…
Sir Bradley Wiggins
Cycling legend
Citing the participation of fellow knight of sport Sir Steve Redgrave as inducement – though Redgrave had to pull out – Wiggins has the competitive edge to succeed, with five gold medals and a Tour de France win under his belt.
Jade Jones
Olympic taekwondo medallist
After becoming the nation’s first Olympic taekwondo gold medallist in 2012, Jade repeated the feat at Rio in 2016. The Welsh-born star – nicknamed ‘The Headhunter’ – is no stranger to hard graft, training six hours a day before tournaments.
Louis Smith
Olympic gymnast
The double Olympic medallist and 2012 Strictly champ is looking to improve his public image after last year’s two-month ban for posting an offensive video online. A keen skier who claims he’s “massively competitive,” Smith may prove a force to be reckoned with.
Vogue Williams
Robbie Fowler
Ex-footballer
The legendary Liverpool striker and the sixth-highest goal scorer in Premier League history is a surprise entry – it’s his first reality show. Fowler’s competitive nature is not in question, but photos have shown him displaying less finesse than on the pitch.
Gareth Thomas
Ex-rugby player
A fixture of the reality show circuit with appearances on Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing On Ice and others, Thomas has become a familiar face. But will man-mountain Gareth’s 100-kilogram frame be a help or a hindrance when trying to manoeuvre himself down the slopes?
Kadeena Cox
Paralympic cyclist and sprinter
Kadeena sprinted into the history books in Rio when she became the first British Paralympian since 1984 to win golds in multiple sports (cycling and sprinting) at the same Games. As a multiple sclerosis sufferer, Kadeena is an example of how to beat the odds.
Jason Robinson
Ex-rugby player
The former England rugby captain and World Cup winner should certainly be quick on his skis, having been known for his pace as a player. His nickname was “Billy Whizz,” after the extraordinarily fast Beano character, so he should be fun to watch.
Vogue Williams
Model and TV presenter
Dublin native Vogue is much more than just a pretty face. She’s tough as tacks, having beaten Dame Kelly Holmes and Mike Tindall to win the first series of Bear Grylls: Mission Survive. Vogue’s ex, Brian McFadden may have passed on a few tips, too, after taking part in 2016.
Caprice Bourret
Model and businesswoman
Reality-show regular Caprice has appeared on ITV’s Splash!, so she’s clearly fearless when it comes to hurtling down from a great height. And as a one-time supermodel, she’ll certainly know how to show off a skin-tight catsuit.
Mark Dolan
Emma Parker Bowles
TV presenter
The Duchess of Cornwall’s niece is not exactly a celebrity, but she fulfils the posh quotient in the line-up. Perhaps Emma can pick up a few skiing tips from her aunt’s husband, Prince Charles, who’s known to be very nifty on the slopes.
Spencer Matthews
Ex-Made In Chelsea star
Spencer’s never skied before, but he is a keen snowboarder. Party boy Spencer, who’ll be hoping to rebuild his image after getting kicked off I’m A Celebrity… in 2015, will almost certainly lead the pack in the après-ski stakes.
Tina Hobley dislocates her shoulder on The Jump
Lydia Bright
TOWIE star
Lydia’s recently survived a fish-hook injury on Celebrity Island With Bear Grylls, so she’s no stranger to pain. Perhaps she’ll be spurred on by an ‘Essex versus Chelsea’ reality-star rivalry with Spencer Matthews. Her track record certainly shows she’s up for a challenge.
Josie Gibson
Big Brother winner and personal trainer
The 2010 Big Brother winner, who’s forged a career as a TV panellist and maker of fitness DVDs, is also a qualified personal trainer, which may mean she’s got excellent stamina levels. So she’s one to watch!
The Jump, Sunday, 7.30PM, Channel 4