PREVIEW: Total Wipeout
Classic episodes of Total Wipeout return to BBC One.
Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness bring their unique banter to classic Total Wipeout episodes as plucky contestants take on the Big Red Balls for the chance to win £10,000!
Coming to BBC One from Saturday 8 August at 7.10pm.
Total Wipeout first aired on 3 January 2009 and ended on 31 December, 2012, with 69 episodes in total. The show was filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
BBC Q&A with Freddie Flintoff Can you tell us a bit about what to expect from this new series of Total Wipeout? I think most people have seen Wipeout before - I remember watching it and it’s just fun isn’t it? You’ve got people doing stuff on this water place which is just ridiculous; you don’t stop laughing at it. It’s hard! Some of the stuff people go through, from getting punched off a wall to falling on them big red balls, all to win ten grand! This time round it’s the best episodes from 10 years ago and then me and Paddy have done the voiceover.
I’ve seen a few people saying they're introducing it to their kids for the first time over lockdown, so hopefully it’s good timing? I think a lot of things have been tried over the years… but nothing's been as good as Wipeout! Hence bringing it back, and even watching the old episodes, it just doesn’t date. It’s still very funny. It’s fun, there’s a bit of jeopardy and it’s quite hard so hopefully it’ll go well and who knows - they might make it again!
Q&A with host Paddy McGuinness Were you excited to get involved and to be working with Freddie again? There was a great response when the news was announced so I really hope people enjoy seeing it back on BBC One. We need those big red balls back in our lives! The show, not Fred?
What do you think makes this format so popular with viewers? Wipeout is all about not taking yourself too seriously and going for it. It’s silly, pure comfort TV and I think more than ever that’s the kind of telly people have an appetite for.
Have you always been a fan of the show/what are your memories of watching it?
I’ve always loved the mix of contestants that take part in the show - they’re up for anything and aren’t afraid of looking daft, bit like myself and Fred. I think the brilliant thing about it is you can’t really prepare for the course or the obstacles – you have to leave your pride at the door and give it your all! It brought back loads of happy memories watching it, felt really nostalgic.