Freddie Flintoff is set to host ITV’s new game show ‘Cannonball’.
The 39-year-old former England cricketer is no stranger to the camera having appeared on panel show ‘A League Of Their Own’ since its conception in 2010, and it has now been reported the sports star will step up to host the wacky water-based game show.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "ITV bosses were chuffed to get Freddie on board. He’s hugely popular with everyday people and he comes across well on telly, as has been seen on ‘A League Of Their Own’ and his other media work. As an ex-sportsman who played at the top of his game, he knows about being competitive too, which will hopefully rub off on the contestants."
News of the new challenge show was first announced in February, when it was reported that bosses at the popular broadcaster were looking to emulate the success of their current physicality-based challenge show ‘Ninja Warrior UK’ and rival broadcaster BBC’s bonkers ‘Total Wipeout’ – which was axed in 2013 – by commissioning the new programme.
‘Cannonball’ will see contestants compete in a variety of water-based tasks, and will include entertaining challenges such as attempting the highest and longest jumps possible from water slides whilst wearing fancy dress.
It was also reported that the programme will be filmed in the warmer climate of the Mediterranean, so hopeful applicants aren’t put off by the idea of getting into freezing cold water.
A source said: "’Cannonball’ is a wacky idea for a show but it promises to be funny. It involves people throwing themselves around in a swimming pool and making fools of themselves."
ITV previously posted an advert on their website where willing applicants could submit their details for a chance to be on the show, and whilst no air date is yet confirmed, the applications closed last month.
Freddie Flintoff to host Cannonball
