I am Team GB: ITV shuts down for UK's biggest sports day

Olympics star Max Whitlock pulled the level to turn off ITV. Credit: ITV

ITV switched off all of its seven channels for an hour on Saturday as part of a national sports day event called I Am Team GB.

People from across the UK were encouraged by ITV and The National Lottery to get out and active by taking part from 9.30am.

Double Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Matt Whitlock appeared at the end of Aled Jones' Weekend show to urge viewers to get involved in the event.

He was then seen pulling a lever to switch off all ITV channels just before programming stopped.

Matt Whitlock appeared alongside Aled Jones. Credit: ITV

Some members of the show's production team also got involved.

Production team members get physical in the studio. Credit: ITV
A screen-grab of a slate that appeared after ITV switched off its channels. Credit: ITV

One viewer revealed he was going for a run, writing on Twitter: "Great and brave idea #ITV, one day I won't be able to #run but today isn't that day!"

Another revealed she had just been for a "45-minute spin class".

However others refused to go out and get moving. One Twitter user said the shutdown would merely encourage "a workout for my thumb on the remote".

Television fans missed out on an episode of Murder She Wrote and the Coronation Street omnibus.

A number of Team GB's other successful Olympians from 2016 will be joined famous faces from across ITV at sporting events up and down the country, organised especially for the occasion.

Hockey, handball, rowing and running are just some of the hundreds of activities available - whatever the level of fitness.

I Am Team GB takes place on Saturday from 9.30am Credit: ITV

Alongside sports clubs and venues up and down the country, Coronation Street and Emmerdale will also be opening their doors to members of the public.

As well as being a homecoming for Team GB's history-making Olympians, it also aims to be an inspiration to people across the country.

Greg Rutherford will host one of the events Credit: ITV News

World long jump champion and Rio bronze medallist Greg Rutherford will host one of the events, and he encourages everybody to have a go.

"You don’t have to be an Olympian to be part of Team GB", said Rutherford.

"National Lottery players make a huge difference through the support they give athletes and on the August bank holiday weekend, there is another amazing chance to be part of it.

"There are going to be thousands of fun, free events across the country so make sure you sign up, get involved and be part of Team GB!”

For more information about your nearest event and to sign up for the UK’s biggest ever sports day visit iamteamgb.com