ITV reality show The Summit sees 14 strangers tackle the unforgiving Southern Alps in New Zealand.
Carrying up to £200,000 in their backpacks, they have to , otherwise they go home with nothing.
Ben Shephard and the cast of The SummitCredit: PA
Who is starring in The Summit?
features vote-offs, alliances crumbling left, right and centre, and brutal challenges from the mysterious Mountain Keeper.
If a contestant is voted out by their fellow climbers, the share of the prize money they are carrying is distributed among the remaining mountaineers.
However, if someone is forced to withdraw due to injury or illness, quits because they cannot go on, or chooses to leave for any other reason, the cash goes with them.
hosts the show, guiding viewers through all the action from the mountainside.
Speaking about the climbing challenge’s spectacular location, he said: “It’s my favourite country in the world, I travelled there when I was 19.
“So to go back in this extraordinary backdrop and to film a show that’s all about adventure and challenges, and these 14 remarkable people, just ordinary people facing this extraordinary challenge. It was an absolute thrill.
“Every step of the way was jaw dropping, not least for the contestants or the contributors, but for the backdrop, for the challenges, for the drama and the way… the team had put this show together.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the sensational show’s cast:
Afton
Afton broke down in tears and suffered a ‘panic attack’ just hours into The Summit – Afton McKeithCredit: ITV
, 24, is a pageant and fitness coach from London.
She is the daughter of TV , but kept her famous family connection under wraps during filming.
Afton said: “I want to win. So I’m in it to win it 100 per cent. Whenever I do anything I put 110 per cent in and my goal is to be the best and do my best.
“I don’t see the point in doing it without striving to be the best, or my best at least. I want to win and I also want to experience things I’ve never done before and I know that’s going to happen.
“I’m very excited to see a new place. I’ve never been to New Zealand. I think this will be an incredible learning opportunity for me.”
Charlett
Charlett is a pole fitness instructorCredit: ITV
Charlett, 38, is a pole fitness instructor from Wiltshire.
She describes herself as someone who lives for adventure, but had put it on the back burner while raising her kids.
Charlett said: “I’m very mentally strong, I’m very mentally focussed.
“Physically I’m very strong, the pole has strengthened me as well for the fitness side of things, but I think my mental strength is what will get me through.”
Colleen
Colleen joined the show to prove she could do complete the massive challengeCredit: ITV
Colleen, 48, is an ex-steel worker from Port Talbot whose furnace was closed down.
She joined the show hoping to take control of her life and prove to herself she could do it.
Colleen said: “I just want to find myself. I lost myself for a bit over giving other people control of my life. This is my chance to take control and prove to myself ‘you’ve got this’.”
She added: “My children are my biggest achievement. I have the most amazing children and will of course miss them but they are 24 and 22, so they are living away from home now.”
Dockers
Dockers is an ex-army manCredit: ITV
Dockers, 36, is a senior construction manager from Hull and former soldier.
He says you can take him out of the army but you cannot take the army out of him.
Dockers added: “When I’m tired, hungry, I know what my body is capable of doing because I’ve done it. So now it’s time to see if I can still do it.
“I’ve got a very good little life now, where I eat very nice food, don’t do too much exercise, I live in a nice house, it’s warm… so I’ve tasted the good life.
“Is it going to be harder for me now as I’ve been out of the game for so long? I don’t think it will.”
Drew
Drew was born with one armCredit: ITV
Drew, 32, is a project manager from North London.
He was born with one arm, but says it has never stopped him doing anything.
His amazing achievements include playing in goal for his school football team and completing a half Ironman in just over five hours.
Even so, Drew said: “It’s definitely the biggest challenge I’ve ever put myself forward for.”
On his biggest weakness, Drew said: “Mentally I guess it would be not saying what is at the front of your mind. Making sure I think before I speak – most of the times that’s because I’ve not eaten enough.”
Jenny
Jenny believes the fellow climbers might test her patienceCredit: ITV
Jenny, 46, is a sales and marketing manager from Peterborough.
The former police officer admitted her patience could be tested by spending so long with strangers.
She said: “I think I’ve got doubters out there and I want to show them. To show, I can achieve things. You’ve gone your way, I’ve gone mine.
“I know I can do these things, I’ve got to stop doubting myself. Believe in myself as much as so many people believe in me.”
Joel
Joel competed in the Winter OlympicsCredit: ITV
Joel, 35, is a mentor and coach from Loughborough.
He’s also a former sprinter and bobsleigh competitor, having represented .
Joel believes his biggest gripe is “negativity”, adding: “I struggle with negative people or people that are, you know, ‘cup half empty’ people.
“I do struggle with that. I try and make things positive and put myself in positive circles.
“So, if there are people there that are negative, I will be giving them some space.”
Miranda
Miranda runs a pubCredit: ITV
Miranda, 50, is a publican from Northampton.
She is also a cancer survivor who says she is always looking to push herself.
Miranda explained: “I will surprise a lot of people. I have done a lot in my life and want to show people I am far more capable than they give me credit for. I’m 50, and I’m not ready to slow down.”
She added: “I walked 36 miles with a group of friends on the Jurassic Coast. That took training and dedication.
“I’ve won awards in my industry. I got outstanding achievement for my support to my peers in the hospitality industry, which was fantastic to be recognised in that way.
“I’ve been on Good Morning Britain with Susanna and Ed talking about pubs which was a great achievement.
“I have amazing kids. And of course, I’ve beaten cancer.”
Patrick
Patrick is a content creatorCredit: ITV
Patrick, 24, is a content creator from Milton Keynes, who says his biggest weakness is being away from his close-knit family.
On his biggest achievement, Patrick added: “I would say being able to turn a hobby into a career.
“Becoming a content creator was a big risk that really paid off – I’ve been doing it full-time since March this year, which was when I left my nine-to-five.”
Sean
Sean is scared of spidersCredit: ITV
Sean, 25, is a customer service advisor from Liverpool.
He admitted to being scared of heights, spiders and snakes, but is focused on his strengths rather than his weaknesses.
On why he applied for the show, Sean said: “I used to live and look after my nan and she told me to go for it.”
Tara
Tara is an influencerCredit: ITV
Tara, 31, is a influencer from Manchester.
The self-described “emotional person” is proud mum to her son Riley.
She said: “I had him quite young – I was a teen mum. I remember at the time everyone saying, ‘you’re so young’. I’m that headstrong I said, ‘I’m doing this’.
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. He tells me everything. I’m glad I did it when I did it.”
Thomas
Thomas is a tour guideCredit: ITV
Thomas, 29, is a tour guide from Winchester.
He fancies himself as a people person and believes bringing the group together will be one of his strengths on the mountain.
Thomas said: “I hope to win firstly, I want to reach the summit and be proud of what that entails.
“I wish to learn things about myself. Can I push through hardships, conquer fears, lead people when the going gets tough and to prove I am indeed a nice person even when my temper is frayed.”
Tyra
Tyra is a football scoutCredit: ITV
Tyra, 24, is an England football scout from London.
She represented the country at the Homeless World Cup and even met at Buckingham Palace for a test cricket match.
Tyra said: “My life revolves around helping others a lot and being first in their world, supporting them. It’s a very lonely job.
“I go out to the jobs and watch football. I love watching football, don’t get me wrong, but you’re alone with your notepad.
“I don’t really have time for myself. So this will be a time for me to find me, and express myself in different ways.”
Warren
Warren was Ace on the original GladiatorsCredit: ITV
Warren, 52, is an ordained minister from London.
If his face looks familiar, he on the original Gladiators line-up.
Back in in 1997, he was also engaged to .
Warren said: “I believe that life begins at the end of your comfort zone and I think if your comfort zone is not expanding, then it’s shrinking.
“I don’t believe in living a life of fear and so I think we do need to challenge ourselves. I’m on a massive adventure.
“I came to faith 10 years ago and everything changed for me. Everything I consider or do I pray about.
“I ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate that and I feel this could be an opportunity from God and an opportunity to grow closer to God.
“Gladiators was the ultimate challenge, but when I was told this will be an adventure of a lifetime, my ears pricked up. Plus, you’re going to be at your worst… I want to test the mettle.”
When does The Summit finish?
premiered on on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 9pm, with the second episode airing the following evening at the same time.
Episode three followed the next Tuesday at 9pm, with episode four on the Wednesday.
The series consists of eight episodes in total – after the initial staggered launch, it settled into a weekly pattern airing every Tuesday at 9pm on ITV1.
The show will continue every Tuesday at 9pm, leading up to the final episode on Tuesday, March 17.
All episodes are also available to stream on ITVX after they air.
The full schedule is as follows:
- Episode 1: Tuesday, February 10
- Episode 2: Wednesday, February 11
- Episode 3: Tuesday, February 17
- Episode 4: Wednesday, February 18
- Episode 5: Tuesday, February 24
- Episode 6: Tuesday, March 3
- Episode 7: Tuesday, March 10
- Episode 8: Tuesday, March 17



