ITV Orders Bear Grylls Wild Adventure Specials

ITV has commissioned the Banijay UK company Dragonfly Film & TV and The Natural Studios, a joint venture with Banijay, to produce a new two-part series hosted by Bear Grylls.

The specials will see former rugby union player Jonny Wilkinson and former boxer Nicola Adams face the grueling and harsh terrain of Dartmoor in a once-in-a-lifetime experience and test of their survival instincts. Bear & Jonny Wilkinson’s Wild Adventure and Bear & Nicola Adams’ Wild Adventure are to be broadcast this spring.

In the specials, Jonny and Nicola will join Bear to battle the wild and push their physical and mental limits. From rock climbing, rappelling and 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 have the chance to get to know his companions, speaking to them about their lives, achievements and key life moments, as well as their hopes for the future.

Bear & Jonny Wilkinson’s Wild Adventure and Bear & Nicola’s Wild Adventure are Dragonfly Film & TV and The Natural Studios productions for ITV. They are executive produced by Tom Currie for Dragonfly Film & TV, by Bear Grylls & Delbert Shoopman for The Natural Studios and directed by Ewen Thomson. Both episodes are being distributed internationally by Banijay Rights.

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 leveler 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 of factual entertainment for ITV, said: “Viewers can expect an adrenaline-fueled 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.”