With Holly Willoughby and Wim Hof

Lee Mack is to host a new BBC One entertainment series, Wim Hof’s Superstar Survival.

The comedian will front the six-part series with Holly Willoughby when it airs next year. 

It  will follow a group of celebrities as they embark on an adventure of self-improvement  under the guidance of ‘extreme athlete’ and well-being icon Wim Hof 

The BBC says the show ‘promises genuine reality, high drama, jeopardy and plenty of laughs’. There will also be a BBC Three spin-off showing behind-the-scenes action.

Hof - who is nicknamed The Iceman – boasts celebrity followers including Tom Cruise, Justin Bieber, Oprah Winfrey and David Beckham. His achievements include running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, submerging himself in ice for 1hr52mins and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in just his shorts and shoes. 

He said: ‘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.’

 Mack said: ‘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.’

 Willoughby added that ‘Mack is a favourite in our house because he’s so hilariously funny’.  Her husband, Dan Baldwin, is the managing director of Hungry Bear Media, which is making the show.

Further information, including hosts of the BBC Three spin off series, and details of the celebrities taking part will be announced later.

Published: 25 Aug 2021