Overview

• About 6.5 million viewers watched the BBC One premiere on October 8, marking the franchise’s strongest UK launch to date.
• BBC News received complaints from viewers about the volume and placement of its coverage, with concerns aired on Newswatch about extended segments and a delayed 10 p.m. bulletin.
• Filmed over three weeks in May, contestants were housed at a Courtyard by Marriott near Inverness Airport under curfews, phone bans and strict security to prevent conferring and leaks.
• All celebrities were reportedly paid a flat £40,000 fee to take part, with the £100,000 pot earmarked for charities under the show’s format.
• Early commentary praised the recognisable cast and engaging gameplay, and the series continues weekly on BBC One with catch‑up on BBC iPlayer.