Latest news with #BearHunt
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Netflix was wrong to ditch Celebrity Bear Hunt – but Holly Willoughby's pointless role needed to be axed
HE'S the most famous survival expert in the world - but even Bear Grylls couldn't save his latest show from Netflix's killer blow. The big budget reality series that saw Bear, 50, partnered with glam assistant Holly Willoughby, 44, has been axed after just one series despite being a hit with fans. Advertisement 6 Netflix axed Celebrity Bear Hunt after just one series Credit: PA 6 Holly Willoughby wasn't utilised properly and cost a whopping £1m Credit: PA Netflix is getting a nasty reputation for being trigger happy when it comes to prematurely culling shows after their debut run. Sometimes that brutal streak is justified; there's no shortage of utter tosh on streaming platforms, but in this case, they've made a massive mistake. I'm yet to hear from anyone who didn't enjoy watching Bear Hunt's crazy escapades from Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen casually taking a leak as Bear crept up on him to poor Steph McGovern smashing face first into a cliff during an adrenaline-fuelled challenge. It was popular with all ages; my son, seven, among those devastated by its untimely demise, but ultimately money talked and Netflix decided it wasn't getting enough bang for its buck. Advertisement That's fair enough, no business wants to throw money away for fun, especially when Bear Hunt is said to have cost £10m to make, but from the outside looking in there are a number of ways to save a lot of cash while maintaining the brilliant concept. First up, Holly Willoughby. She was paid a reported £1m to effectively be nothing more than the series' eye-candy. Holly's star power was undeniable through the noughties as she became the undisputed queen of daytime TV and primetime evening entertainment shows. She also had naughty streak that saw her equally at home on the Celebrity Juice panel cracking crude jokes. Advertisement To make her even more appealing, she'd already hosted the biggest survival show out there: I'm A Celebrity. She expertly stepped in when Ant McPartlin's battle with alcohol forced him to take a break to focus on his wellbeing. Bear Grylls abseils into Celebrity Bear Hunt premiere Slipping into Ant's shoes and attempting to replicate his impeccable banter with best pal Declan Donnelly was a task tougher than most Bushtucker Trials, but Holly deserved a bag of gold stars as her ability in front of camera shone through. When it was announced she was swapping ITV for Netflix following a torrid time at the channel, there was a clamour to see how she'd make her mark on the platform. Advertisement Would she bounce back from her bitter fall out with former co-star Phillip Schofield as well as the extended break she took following a terrifying kidnap plot with a career-defining new show, or would she fail to reach past heights? The answer was a resounding disappointment. With minimal screen time and no real purpose, she became a jungle Jane without any bite. That's not Holly's fault, she obviously worked to the direction she was given, but it felt like a step back for a woman who'd made her way to the top of the TV game in the UK. It did her a disservice and took away an opportunity from aspiring presenters who would leap at the chance to smile and look pretty in such a big show for a fraction of Holly's seven-figure payday. Advertisement 6 Twelve celebs flew to Costa Rica to take part Credit: PA 6 The beachside accommodation was stunning Credit: PA There are no shortage of excuses show's bosses could have given to spare Holly's, and their own, blushes as she quietly stepped away. Scheduling clashes, family responsibilities, take your pick. Then there's the location. The Costa Rican jungle and coastline certainly looked exotic and created a feeling of great adventure. Advertisement But the reality is it was totally unnecessary. The Bear Pit itself, the natural arena in which Bear hunted his celeb prey, could have been replicated in a British woodland. In fact, hosting on home soil would give the programme a gritty edge not too dissimilar from early series' of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins set in remote Scottish terrain, which would add to the sense of peril. Let's face it, flying 12 celebrities to the other side of the world, putting them up in a luxurious cabin and then insuring them for the privilege was always going to be a hell of a bill, not to mention the thousands they had to splash out to lure the big names in the first place. Advertisement A source told us: 'Everyone involved with Bear Hunt is absolutely gutted - they loved the format, and it actually hit its targets from the streaming side." If that's the case, why not fight tooth an nail to save it? The hard work in creating a fresh new format and building a loyal audience has been done. Show talisman Bear's mantra is 'never give up', it's a shame Netflix didn't show the same fighting spirit. 6 Bear lived up to his action man reputation Credit: PA Advertisement 6 Holly looked the part but had very little to actually do Credit: PA
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Netflix was wrong to ditch Celebrity Bear Hunt – but Holly Willoughby's pointless role needed to be axed
HE'S the most famous survival expert in the world - but even Bear Grylls couldn't save his latest show from Netflix's killer blow. The big budget reality series that saw Bear, 50, partnered with glam assistant Holly Willoughby, 44, has been axed after just one series despite being a hit with fans. 6 6 Netflix is getting a nasty reputation for being trigger happy when it comes to prematurely culling shows after their debut run. Sometimes that brutal streak is justified; there's no shortage of utter tosh on streaming platforms, but in this case, they've made a massive mistake. I'm yet to hear from anyone who didn't enjoy watching Bear Hunt's crazy escapades from Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen casually taking a leak as Bear crept up on him to poor Steph McGovern smashing face first into a cliff during an adrenaline-fuelled challenge. It was popular with all ages; my son, seven, among those devastated by its untimely demise, but ultimately money talked and Netflix decided it wasn't getting enough bang for its buck. That's fair enough, no business wants to throw money away for fun, especially when Bear Hunt is said to have cost £10m to make, but from the outside looking in there are a number of ways to save a lot of cash while maintaining the brilliant concept. First up, Holly Willoughby. She was paid a reported £1m to effectively be nothing more than the series' eye-candy. Holly's star power was undeniable through the noughties as she became the undisputed queen of daytime TV and primetime evening entertainment shows. She also had naughty streak that saw her equally at home on the Celebrity Juice panel cracking crude jokes. To make her even more appealing, she'd already hosted the biggest survival show out there: I'm A Celebrity. She expertly stepped in when Ant McPartlin 's battle with alcohol forced him to take a break to focus on his wellbeing. Bear Grylls abseils into Celebrity Bear Hunt premiere Slipping into Ant's shoes and attempting to replicate his impeccable banter with best pal Declan Donnelly was a task tougher than most Bushtucker Trials, but Holly deserved a bag of gold stars as her ability in front of camera shone through. When it was announced she was swapping ITV for Netflix following a torrid time at the channel, there was a clamour to see how she'd make her mark on the platform. Would she bounce back from her bitter fall out with former co-star Phillip Schofield as well as the extended break she took following a terrifying kidnap plot with a career-defining new show, or would she fail to reach past heights? The answer was a resounding disappointment. With minimal screen time and no real purpose, she became a jungle Jane without any bite. That's not Holly's fault, she obviously worked to the direction she was given, but it felt like a step back for a woman who'd made her way to the top of the TV game in the UK. It did her a disservice and took away an opportunity from aspiring presenters who would leap at the chance to smile and look pretty in such a big show for a fraction of Holly's seven-figure payday. 6 6 There are no shortage of excuses show's bosses could have given to spare Holly's, and their own, blushes as she quietly stepped away. Scheduling clashes, family responsibilities, take your pick. Then there's the location. The Costa Rican jungle and coastline certainly looked exotic and created a feeling of great adventure. But the reality is it was totally unnecessary. The Bear Pit itself, the natural arena in which Bear hunted his celeb prey, could have been replicated in a British woodland. In fact, hosting on home soil would give the programme a gritty edge not too dissimilar from early series' of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins set in remote Scottish terrain, which would add to the sense of peril. Let's face it, flying 12 celebrities to the other side of the world, putting them up in a luxurious cabin and then insuring them for the privilege was always going to be a hell of a bill, not to mention the thousands they had to splash out to lure the big names in the first place. A source told us: 'Everyone involved with Bear Hunt is absolutely gutted - they loved the format, and it actually hit its targets from the streaming side." If that's the case, why not fight tooth an nail to save it? The hard work in creating a fresh new format and building a loyal audience has been done. Show talisman Bear's mantra is 'never give up', it's a shame Netflix didn't show the same fighting spirit. 6 6
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Holly Willoughby's plans unveiled as she's left without upcoming TV show
Holly Willoughby has been an ITV staple for the last few decades but it looks like she won't be on our screens in the near future Holly Willoughby's career plans for the future have reportedly been unveiled as she's been left without an upcoming TV show. The star has been a staple on our screens for years but it seems that she hasn't got any upcoming projects for us to look forward to. The 44-year-old is now at a point in her career where she hasn't got a programme lined-up for the first time in 21 years. This comes as her usual presenting gig on Dancing On Ice has come to an end as the show has been axed. Holly's other job hosting Bear Hunt with Bear Grylls also won't be happening again as that's been axed as well. She has also chosen to leave You Bet! which means Stephen Mulhern will be hosting the show alone. It has been reported that Holly's husband Dan Baldwin is working on a reboot of Record Breakers which means Holly could be in with a chance of a presenting job. The Sun reported that a source said it would make "perfect sense" for Holly to be up for the role. They said: "Record Breakers is likely to be a prime time hit and it would make perfect sense for Holly to take the reins. She has worked alongside Dan before and the pair know what it takes to make great telly." Holly has also been in amongst a few names that could be hosting the reboot of Cilla Black's Blind Date. Other celebs that could be up include Claudia Winkleman and Davina McCall. Another show Holly is being looked at for is a new Channel 4 programme where new undiscovered singers are found. Holly first returned back to TV last year after taking an 18 month break. It has also been reported that ITV are keen to keep Holly as she recently met with Katie Rawcliffe, director of entertainment and daytime about future opportunities. An insider revealed: "Holly always intended to lock in new presenting roles for ITV, which has been her home for so long. She didn't have anything confirmed earlier this year just due to the way the cards had fallen, but there are a string of exciting projects on the table and 2025 is looking good for Holly. "Holly is looking to the future and this week's meeting was a big part of that. It won't be a return to daytime programming but new entertainment formats." The meeting coincided with a documentary about Holly's kidnapping airing. Holly declined to participate in Channel 5's documentary, The Plot To Kill Holly Willoughby, which told the story of the plot by obsessed security guard Gavin Plumb to kidnap, rape and murder her. The traumatic experience is what led her to step down from her role on ITV1's This Morning and take a break from television altogether.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Holly Willoughby's future plans as she's left without telly show for first time in years
IT has been an incredibly testing few years for former ITV treasure Holly Willoughby, with her work life as she knew it crumbling around her. For the first time in years the 44-year-old has been left without a TV show - and she's now at a serious crossroads and is poised to start a new chapter in her career. 10 Holly Willoughby is looking to the future now Credit: Getty 10 The star is currently not working with ITV - or Stephen Mulhern Credit: Rex 10 A second series of Bear Hunt will not be renewed Once the princess of ITV, she is currently 'showless' with her beloved ITV for the first time in 21 years. With her time on ITV's This Morning now a distant memory, Holly was looking likely to land a series of lucrative deals with the streamers. But in a further blow - her new Netflix show, Bear Hunt, with Bear Grylls, has been axed. The news comes just weeks after Dancing On Ice was axed and on top of that, she has made the decision to step down from You Bet!, leaving Stephen Mulhern to present alone. She is set to appear briefly in the next series, but will no longer be hosting it. It marks a huge shift in her work with ITV. One option for the star could be a reboot of Record Breakers, which Holly's husband Dan Baldwin is already working on. There is currently no channel attached to the show, which is in its very early stages but sources say it would be a "perfect fit". A telly insider said: "Record Breakers is likely to be a prime time hit and it would make perfect sense for Holly to take the reins. "She has worked alongside Dan before and the pair know what it takes to make great telly." Watch moment Holly Willoughby drops clue over Dancing on Ice's future after series 17 finale She has also been linked to a reboot of Cilla Black's best-known show, Blind Date. The Sun told this week how the ITV classic is being revived - and in a surprise twist will go to global streaming service Disney+. Producers want to keep the tradition of a top British female host, with a shortlist including Claudia Winkleman, Holly Willoughby and Davina McCall. Sources say Holly is also being looked at for a new Channel 4 talent show, currently dubbed Secret Singers, which is searching for raw, undiscovered singing talent. Love Productions - the creators of The Great British Bake Off and The Piano - have already put out a casting call. An insider said: "This is likely to be a heartwarming and hugely popular show for all the family. "They are looking for a the perfect host to make sure it's a huge success and it could be perfect timing with Holly's break in TV." 10 The star has had a difficult few years Credit: Rex 10 She is moving on from her days with Phillip Schofield Credit: Rex 10 Holly had been working on Netflix's Celebrity Bear Hunt Credit: Social media 10 Holly has turned to close friend Christine for support Credit: hollywilloughby/Instagram Holly returned to TV last year after 18 months - she had stepped down from presenting work entirely after discovering a plot to kidnap and murder her. Evil Gavin Plumb was given three life sentences for planning to break into her home, then sedate, abduct and kill her and her husband. It came just months after a very public falling out with her co-host Phillip Schofield, which ended with him leaving the show in May 2023. Changes are happening behind the scenes, too. Holly has a big decision to make with her media company Roxy after it was revealed she owes a huge amount to the tax man. Roxy was set up in 2008 by Holly with husband Dan Baldwin. But it wasn't until 2022 that Holly filed the first annual accounts for her all-female ran company after she made the decision to leave former talent agency YMU in 2020. Roxy Media deals with TV show 'production activities', according to its listing on Companies House. But just three years on, Roxy has now been slapped with a winding up order. 10 Holly and husband Dan are parents to three kids Credit: Refer to Caption 10 Holly is set to work alongside husband Dan more Credit: Getty Action against the company was launched in January and the court was told Holly's company has already settled a bill of £377,000 with the taxman, with an unknown amount still owed. In recent weeks Holly has turned to close friend Christine Lampard for support. Like Holly she has enjoyed long stints with ITV, but has also stepped away from them at times. Sources have said that Holly is inspired by Christine's career and her work-life balance and is hoping to emulate that herself. They said: 'Holly is ready for a rebrand and has definitely been looking at those around her for inspiration.' Addressing her incredibly difficult time, Holly recently told The Sunday Times Style Magazine: 'It's been tough. There's no way of sugar-coating it.' Discussing why she felt moving forward was her only option, Holly said: 'Sometimes things go wrong, but you have to keep going for it because that's all you can do.' And it looks like Holly is moving forward - but not before making some serious changes.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Holly Willoughby shares makeup free selfie on a dog walk after her Netflix show was axed after one series
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLLY Willoughby is looking on the bright side and enjoying some downtime after her Netflix show was axed. The beloved TV personality shared a new photo today, beaming in a make-up free selfie while she walked her dog. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Holly Willoughby looked happy and carefree in her latest selfie Credit: Instagram 5 The star's Netflix show Celebrity Bear Hunt has been axed after one series Credit: Getty 5 The star hosted the series which was set in the Costa Rican jungle Credit: Netflix With the pup focusing on the path ahead, Holly looked cosy in a dark olive raincoat, wide-rimmed brown hat and a pair of wellies as she went for a stroll. She joked in the caption: "Raincoat ✅ hat ✅ wellies ✅ … must be June 🫢☔️" The star seems to be in good spirits despite her latest show, Celebrity Bear Hunt, was axed by Netflix after only one season. This means for the first time in 20 years Holly doesn't have an active show on television. The series saw Holly head to Costa Rica with survival expert Bear Grylls to put 12 celebs through their paces to test their survival skills. At the end of May, Bear had teased they had big plans for the show going forward while on an appearance on BBC Radio 2. He said: 'God willing, we are bringing Bear Hunt back, nd we're hoping to do it live so it's going to be a live version, which Netflix have never done before. "Raw, real, hunt them down!' However, just two weeks later it was revealed the streamer had pulled the plug on the service. The decision not to recommission the heavily backed series comes following a series of last ditch production meetings where various cost-cutting measures were discussed. Watch the horrific Bear Hunt accident that saw Steph McGovern rushed to medics A source told The Sun: 'Everyone involved with Bear Hunt is absolutely gutted - they loved the format, and it actually hit its targets from the streaming side. "But the overall cost of travel, insurance and, of course, securing big name talent proved too dear - it was completely untenable even after they looked at filming closer to home, and making more of a budget show. 'It is no slight on Holly or Bear either and execs are now trying to find another formula for them to showcase their talents. "Naturally it's a real blow to Holly as it's the latest show to have time called, but she's a professional and knows that sometimes this is how it goes." However, despite the end of the show, Holly's team aren't worried – with the host already working on new projects. 'She's got a number of other exciting projects in the pipeline." they said. "That's showbiz, after all.' 5 Holly and Bear tested the survival skills of celebrities in the reality show Credit: hollywilloughby/Instagram
