The new reality competition series “The Summit” features 14 strangers attempting to climb a mountain in the New Zealand Alps, despite having little to no prior experience in mountaineering. The participants, drawn from a range of backgrounds, face physical and interpersonal challenges throughout the competition.
Among the contestants is Thomas, who has some familiarity with the outdoors as a tour guide but has a fear of heights. Others include Tyra, who has completed the Duke of Edinburgh bronze and silver awards, and Afton, a fitness coach and pageant contestant, who has mostly experienced camping in a glamping context and is visibly unsettled by the muddy terrain. Afton is also noted to be the daughter of Gillian McKeith, a figure known for her controversial health advice and television appearances.
The group also includes Dockers, who describes himself as an “alpha male,” Sean, a self-proclaimed “most valuable player,” and Warren, a former Gladiators television personality turned Anglican minister. Each contestant brings varying degrees of skills and attitudes to the expedition.
Ben Shephard serves as the presenter, providing brief introductions and updates. He explains that the £200,000 prize will be carried in backpacks shared among contestants and that those who do not reach the summit will lose their share of the prize. Cooperation is essential, yet initial interactions reveal significant tensions among the group members.
Miranda, a publican, volunteers to lead the team using her map-reading skills but struggles to maintain her leadership role as the group advances. Early challenges include crossing a rope bridge spanning an abyss, which Dockers attempts first. The team eventually reaches base camp, where they spend the night in tents on bare ground.
The next day brings further conflict, including an incident where Dockers reacts angrily to a damaged glove, accusing others of sabotage, particularly singling out Thomas for not offering support. The show also introduces a helicopter known as the Mountain Keeper, which flies overhead, delivering instructions intended to intimidate the contestants during their challenges.
The series showcases the obstacles faced by a group largely unprepared for such a demanding environment, emphasizing both the physical difficulties of mountain climbing and the interpersonal dynamics under pressure. “The Summit” is broadcast on ITV1 and available for streaming on ITVX.
