ITV's The Summit leaves viewers divided as Ben Shephard's new show makes debut
Not everyone will be tuning back in!Ben Shephard’s new show The Summit made its debut on ITV last night (February 10), and viewers have mixed opinions.
The show follows 14 strangers who will trek across rugged New Zealand mountain terrain and face physical and strategic challenges as they attempt to reach the summit within 14 days for a share of a cash prize of up to £200k.
During their journey, they must battle harsh conditions and the twists and make tough choices — including voting competitors out — to advance toward the peak.
Ben Shephard’s The Summit makes ITV debut last night
During yesterday’s first episode, viewers were introduced to the cast, which includes former Gladiators star Ace, also known as Warren Furman, and Gillian McKeith’s daughter, Afton.
When the group arrived at Old Miners Crossing, they were told they’d need to tackle a shaky bridge individually — and that was only the beginning of their problems.
After seven contestants successfully made their way across, the enigmatic Mountain’s Keeper introduced a twist, sending down a box containing an axe and a set of instructions directing the players to sever the bridge rope. Doing so would immediately remove one contestant from the competition.
The group held a vote and ultimately decided Thomas would be the one to leave, bringing his journey on The Summit to an abrupt end.
‘What a load of old rubbish’
As viewers received their first taste of the programme, many were quick to react online. And sadly, not everyone is a fan.
“This is a bloody tough watch. Maybe there’s some paint drying on another channel,” one user wrote on X.
“Crikey this is [bleep] – all seems set up as well,” another person insisted.
“This is going to be enjoyable. NOT. They are bloody arguing already,” a third shared.
“So we’ve had Gillian McKeith’s v privilaged daughter and a 90s star of Gladiators, so much for “normal people”,” a fourth said.
“What a load of old rubbish on @itv tonight. Was so looking forward to The Summit,” another disappointed viewer declared.
‘It’s really good’
Meanwhile, there were others who are looking forward to more.
“Oh, this is going to be good!” one said.
“Loved it,” another shared.
“It’s really good. I was doubtful whether I would watch it or not. Looking forward to watching it tonight, thanks Ben,” a third remarked.
“Thought that was actually better than expected to be fair,” a fourth said.
Read more: Ben Shephard reveals shocking reason filming was repeatedly halted on new show The Summit
