Overview
- The Box premiered on Saturday, 5 September, with episodes airing on ITV on weekend nights and available early on ITVX.
- The format places ten celebrities inside yellow metal boxes, drops them into mystery UK locations and requires them to decipher and complete surprise physical, mental or logical challenges before a head-to-head elimination called The Duel.
- The cast mixes reality stars, broadcasters, ex-sports figures and online creators, including Joey Essex, John Bercow, Jenny Ryan, Graeme Souness, Danny Aarons and Ranvir Singh.
- Early critical reviews described the show as confusing or scattershot and several reviewers said Lineker's measured presenting style feels at odds with the chaotic format.
- Contestants and viewers echoed the criticism on social media and in interviews — Jenny Ryan said she felt 'sheer panic' during a first challenge — leaving questions about whether the format can sustain audience interest for ITV's Saturday-night schedule.