Paddy McGuinness announces adrenaline-filled Channel 4 show

Virgin Radio

21 Aug 2023, 15:16

Credit: Getty

Paddy McGuinness is set to scale new heights as he takes the reins on Channel 4’s latest fear-filled show in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.

The Top Gear star has been announced as the host of Don’t Look Down, a reality show which will see Paddy and several other celebrities work together to walk a high-wire 300 feet above London.

In order to train for the challenge, the Question of Sport host will be heading off to the Austrian Alps to train with high-wire experts alongside the other stars who he will lead to complete the task. The goal - to succeed in walking a never-before attempted high-wire relay way above the English capital.

“I've done all kinds of shows, but this is definitely the most nerve-racking!” Paddy said in a statement. He added that “this ridiculously high and very difficult walk” would not be “an easy ride.”

“But it's all for such a brilliant cause and I hope we raise loads of money for Stand Up to Cancer,” he said. “I'm now off to practise on the washing line.”

Credit: Rex

Channel 4’s head of entertainment and live events Phil Harris added that Don’t Look Down promises to “deliver everything from nerves and tears to laughs and camaraderie, culminating in the most audacious of final stunts.”

He also added: “We're thrilled to be working with Paddy again as he hosts the series and leads our celebs in their sky-high challenge… This is event television not to be missed.”

News of Paddy’s fear-filled project comes as the future of the 50-year-old’s work on Top Gear remains up-in-the-air following his co-host Freddie Flintoff’s horror crash in December 2022.

In May 2023, the BBC confirmed that in order to keep focus on the former cricketer’s recovery, filming on the popular car show’s 34th series would not be continuing.

“Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34. We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery,” their statement read.

“We understand this [halting the show] will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we'll make a judgement about how best to continue later this year."

Don't Look Down will air on Channel 4.