THE BOX: GARY LINEKER CONFIRMED TO HOST NEW ITV CELEBRITY REALITY ADVENTURE SERIES

Following his exit from the BBC earlier this year, Gary Lineker is heading to ITV as host of new reality adventure series The Box.

Historically known as the ‘fox in the box’ on the football pitch, Gary will be overseeing not one but 10 yellow boxes each housing our celebrity contestants as they are transported to unknown locations, before being released to face whatever game awaits on the other side of the door.  

Produced by Twofour (part of ITV Studios), The Box will thrust our celebrity contestants into a show like no other. Every episode will see them face surprising reveals, unique games, and a compelling series arc - as each week two players will face The Duel, a dramatic show finale which will see the loser leaving the competition for good.

First launched on TV2 in Norway in January this year, The Box was created and produced by Seefood TV and has immediately been commissioned for a second series, with other territories following suit to secure their own versions. The series will be filmed in the UK later this year and air on ITV in 2026.  

Gary Lineker said: “I can’t wait to host The Box.  I’ve always felt right at home in the box on a football pitch and whilst this is a different proposition, the fundamentals are similar.   The contestants will have to quickly and masterfully work out how each game works, whilst also trying to get ahead of the competition to take control.  It's going to be unpredictable and thrilling to watch, and I’m excited that I get to have a front row seat to all the action!”

Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime Commissioning ITV said: “Gary is the perfect fit for The Box, an entertaining, exhilarating and immersive new format.”  

Dan Adamson, Chief Content Officer, Twofour said: “We're delighted to be making The Box with ITV and Seefood TV.  From the first time we saw those iconic yellow boxes open in an incredible location we were hooked...

"Now, with Gary on board we have the ideal Master of Ceremonies to make this real event telly, he is after all a man who knows what it's like under pressure in the box.  He’s sure to raise the competitive spirit as our cast bursts out of those boxes, into unknown, ambitious and spectacular challenges.” 

The Box has been commissioned by Katie Rawcliffe, Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime Commissioning ITV and Lily Wilson, Entertainment Commissioning Editor ITV.