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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katie Wilson

Holly Willoughby admits she's a 'fish out of water' in new reality sports show The Games

Holly Willoughby steps out of her comfort zone with co-star Freddie Flintoff to host ITV ’s new reality sports show The Games.

The series will see 12 celebrities go head-to-head in a series of challenges, across a week of live shows.

Stars include the likes of Mel B's daughter, Wes Nelson, Christine McGuinness and Max George.

Here, she tells us more…

Hi Holly! What do the 12 celebrities, including Ryan Thomas and Olivia Attwood, have to do on The Games?

They’re going to be competing in field, track, pool, and velodrome and ultimately, one of them will be crowned The Champion. To do a show like this, you need real commitment and drive.

Why aren’t you competing?

I think it’s obvious why I’m not competing! I’m not a natural sportswoman.

I’m a bit of a fish out of water here. But my kids love sports and I love watching them watch sports. I loved watching the Olympics and I knew nothing about it.

The Games presenters Freddie Flintoff, Holly Willoughby, Chris Kamara and Alex Scott (ITV)

Is there any event you’d like to have a go at?

I walked into the velodrome and said, “There’s no way I’d get on a bike and go up a wall.” But since I’ve been in there, I’m like, “I really want to have a go!”

Who do you think will win?

For me, my actual winner won’t be the person who’s necessarily on the number one podium.
It will all be about the story, and what it’s taken them to get to that point.

What was it about this show that appealed to you?

I love live telly. It’s my favourite thing. Any other TV I’ve made just doesn’t have that excitement. There’s nothing like it, even though it doesn’t always go right. What could possibly go wrong in this situation!

The celebrities taking part in The Games include Coronation Street stars Ryan Thomas and Colson Smith.

They are joined by The Wanted singer Max George, former Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton and Emmerdale star Rebecca Sarker, who plays Manpreet Sharma in the ITV soap.

The full celebrity line-up has been revealed (ITV)

Harry Potter star Josh Herdman, Paddy McGuiness’ wife Christine, Mel B’s daughter Phoenix and singer-songwriter Chelcee Grimes, also stars.

Reality TV regulars Olivia and Wes Nelson, plus ITV newsreader Lucrezia Millarini complete the line-up.

The Games will see former professional footballer Alex Scott take on the role of trackside reporter, alongside footie favourite Chris Kamara as commentator.

As well as live coverage of the events, the show will film the celebs as they prepare to battle it out and are taught sports from scratch by some of the top coaches in the country.

•The Games starts on Monday 9 May at 9pm on ITV

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