ITV commissions Bear Grylls Wild Adventure Specials

ITV commissions Bear Grylls Wild Adventure Specials

Jonny Wilkinson and Nicola Adams to take on Dartmoor with Bear Grylls 

ITV have commissioned Dragonfly Film & TV and The Natural Studios (Banijay UK companies) to produce a two-part series hosted by Bear Grylls, in which former rugby union player Jonny Wilkinson and former boxer Nicola Adams face the gruelling and harsh terrain of Dartmoor in a once in a lifetime experience and test of their survival instincts.

In Bear & Jonny Wilkinson’s Wild Adventure and Bear & Nicola Adams’ Wild Adventure to be broadcast this spring, Jonny and Nicola will join Bear to battle the wild and push their physical and mental limits. From rock climbing, rappelling, abseiling to crossing ice cold rivers, the stars will also learn the key basic survival skills necessary to survive in remote terrain like Dartmoor. 

In addition to the physical challenge of the adventures, Bear will also have the chance to get to know his companions by speaking to them about their lives, achievements, key life moments, as well as their hopes for the future. And of course, Bear will be sourcing some wilderness survival food to sustain them through the journeys.

Bear Grylls said:

“Both Jonny and Nicola are icons of their sports, and for me to be able to find out about their journey to stardom and their struggles along the way was a real privilege. The wild is a great leveller and also revealer, and to share this adventure with both these legends was special. I admire their tenacity and willingness to talk so honestly. They both shone bright out there.” 

Jonny Wilkinson, added:

“Spending time with Bear, being challenged in so many ways, and sharing a few intense adventure experiences, was an absolute privilege. I’ll always remember this one!” 

Nicola Adams said:

“Being on Bear Grylls Wild Adventures was a surreal experience – it’s a challenge I’ve always wanted to do and be a part of. I love getting out of my comfort zone but this was unlike anything I’ve done before. I’m grateful to Bear and the rest of the team for helping me through this and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we got up to.”

Amanda Stavri Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment for ITV said:

"Viewers can expect an adrenaline fuelled quest as we see the ultimate adventurer Bear Grylls challenge rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson and sporting inspiration Nicola Adams. I'm excited to watch them being pushed to their limits in the wild and seeing them like we've never seen them before."

Bear & Jonny Wilkinson’s Wild Adventure (1x60’) and Bear & Nicola’s Wild Adventure (1x60’) are Dragonfly Film & TV and The Natural Studios (Banijay UK companies) for ITV. They are executive produced by Tom Currie for Dragonfly TV & Film, by Bear Grylls & Delbert Shoopman for The Natural Studios and directed by Ewen Thomson. They were commissioned by Amanda Stavri, Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment for ITV. Both episodes are being distributed internationally by Banijay Rights. 

About The Natural Studios

The Natural Studios is a multi-BAFTA-winning production house for the world’s greatest adventure programming. A joint venture with Banijay, it is run by Co-CEOs Bear Grylls & Delbert Shoopman, and has a footprint of global properties that have inspired and moved people to go for it in their lives and never give up. TNS shows have been watched by over 2 billion people worldwide, with an aggregated audience of over 120 million for Running Wild (US) alone.