Freeze The Fear With Wim Hoff has reportedly been put on hold with the future of the show up in the air.
The BBC show, hosted by Holly Willoughby, 41, and Lee Mack, 53, saw eight celebrities embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure under the training of extreme athlete Wim Hof, 62.
But the future of the show is in doubt, after it was reported that no work had been done on the second series.
Put on ice: Freeze The Fear With Wim Hoff has reportedly been put on hold with the future of the show up in the air
The series saw Holly return to the BBC after almost a decade, with her even taking time off from This Morning to film it in January 2022.
A source told The Sun: ‘Since 2004 Holly has almost exclusively worked for ITV as one of the channel’s most prized presenters.
‘So it was a big deal in the industry that she was hopping over to the BBC and showed she had real confidence in Freeze the Fear being a big success. But as it stands there’s been no work done on a second series.
‘This time last year the team were months into pre-production and filming was just two weeks away. Never say never, but as it stands no decision has been made on the future of the show.’
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.
New idea: The BBC show, hosted by Holly Willoughby, 41, and Lee Mack, 53, saw eight celebrities embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure under the training of extreme athlete Wim Hof, 62
The show was based around Wim, also known as The Iceman, who guided the VIPs though a series of challenges designed to test their limits, both physically and mentally.
The likes of Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell, 32, actress Tamzin Outhwaite, 51, and former gymnast Gabby Logan, 48 took part in the first series.
Each week saw them take on gruelling challenges, which gradually become more daring as the series progressed.
Under the encouragement of Wim, the celebrities learned to reap the rewards of cold-water therapy and faced a unique test of mental strength.
Cancelled? But the future of the show is in doubt, after it was reported that no work had been done on the second series
Wim has dedicated his life to showing others that they can achieve things they thought were impossible.
He has previously used special techniques to control his mind and body while running a half marathon above the Arctic circle barefoot, submerged himself in ice for 1hr 52 mins, and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in just his shorts and shoes.
‘There is a natural power in the cold,’ he says. ‘When we embrace it, is when the magic happens.’
‘This is not about being tough,’ Hof says. ‘It is about taking ownership of the power of your own mind.’
Frozen: The show was based around Wim, also known as The Iceman, who guided the VIPs though a series of challenges designed to test their limits, both physically and mentally
But while viewers were impressed with the hardman, many failed to see the point of the show. Some even jokingly questioned whether it was a ploy to paint being cold in a positive light as the cost of heating soars.
One tweeted: ‘Thought I was learning about Wim Hoff and cold therapy not watching millionaires with problems #FreezeTheFear.’
Another posted: ‘#freezethefear Look how wonderful it is to be cold!!! Is this a Government-sponsored information show to get us to turn that central heating off?’
A third wrote: ‘Very disappointed with #FreezeTheFear – Rather than explore more deeply the breathing techniques, physiological effects and balancing of the mind.
‘The show was just more beige light entertainment with a few gimmicks thrown in. Devalued the concept.’
Several posters were on board with the concept but said it would have worked better if ‘real people’ had been given the opportunity, instead of celebrities.
‘I’d rather watch regular people cancer survivors, recovering addicts or people who really need to change their perspective on life, instead of those who are being paid (probably a small fortune) to raise their profile,’ one wrote.
Criticism: But while viewers were impressed with the hardman, many failed to see the point of the show. Some even jokingly questioned whether it was a ploy to paint being cold in a positive light as the cost of heating soars
However others defended the show and said it was just a bit of much-needed escapism.
One tweeted: ‘Absolutely brilliant but bonkers . Jumping in to icy water and abseiling front facing down cliffs. Eek.’
A second chimed in: ‘#FreezeTheFear was boss tonight. I’d proper love to do all that stuff. But I was happy sat at home watching with me toast & hot chocolate. #wimhof.’
Defence: Others defended the show and said it was just a bit of much-needed escapism
Source: | Dailymail.co.uk