ITV's new reality show The Summit has sparked a divided response from audiences following its premiere this week.
The adventure series, presented by This Morning's Ben Shephard, sees 14 strangers tasked with scaling one of New Zealand's most dramatic peaks in the South Island Alps.
Participants have a fortnight to reach the mountain's summit while vying for a share of £200,000 in prize money.
The format carries a distinctive twist: participants must physically carry the cash they hope to win throughout their journey.
Ben Shephard revealed things 'go wrong' on ITV's The Summit
| ITVMr Shephard, 51, characterised the programme as featuring "fourteen ordinary people, trying to achieve something truly extraordinary."
The cast includes former Gladiator Ace, Gillian McKeith's daughter Afton, a social media influencer, and many others from various walks of life.
The opening episode on Tuesday drew swift criticism from viewers on social media, with many unimpressed the show's debut.
One disgruntled commenter likened the programme to "Like Lord of the Rings but with annoying people" on X.
Ben Shephard fronts new ITV series The Summit | ITVOthers took aim at the contestants themselves, with one remarking: "This is going to be like I'm A Celebrity up a mountain, already one saying he don't like heights."
Several viewers dismissed the show outright. "This is boring. Just wannabees climbing a mountain for no reason," wrote one, whilst another declared: "Crikey this is s***te - all seems set up as well."
The early conflicts between participants also prompted criticism, with one viewer complaining: "This is going to be enjoyable. NOT they are b****y arguing already."
"#TheSummit Yeah, I've lost interest, if that's how their going to make the contestants vote people off just to generate more drama, it's going to become annoying fast," another complained. (sic)
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Afton McKeith was initially described as 'a diva' and 'frustrating' on ITV's The Summit | GETTYDespite the wave of negativity, the programme did find its supporters. Some viewers expressed enthusiasm for the new competition series.
"Oh, this is going to be good!" one eager fan posted.
Another shared: "Only caught the last 10 minutes of #TheSummit and I love it already." (sic)
Speaking exclusively to GB News, Shephard offered intriguing insights into the series mechanics and hinted at dramatic moments to come.
The Summit sparked divided reactions
|ITV
The presenter revealed that one contestant makes a significant blunder involving the prize money.
"So when they get to a base camp and someone gets voted out, their money gets put into the cash bag that they've got to then carry up, as long as they remember to carry it," he explained.
When pressed further, Mr Shephard teased: "You would think you wouldn't forget it, considering there's tens of thousands of pounds in there, but I'm just going to leave that there..."
Regarding contestant Afton McKeith, whom the show labelled "a diva", Mr Shephard was more complimentary. Shephard was more complimentary.
He described her as "just so honestly herself and really unashamed about it", adding that she remains unaware of "just how histrionic and loud and opinionated she can sound, but also actually how brilliant she is in that sort of situation."