Banijay confirmed that Channel 4 forms part of a set of deals for the reality compeittion format, "The Bridge." "I’m thrilled The Bridge is returning, with AJ at the helm and Aldo guiding the team through the adventure," Steve Handley, commissioning editor for Channel 4, said. "It may look like paradise, but our cast of ordinary folks are going to have to achieve the extraordinary to get their hands on the prize. I can’t wait to see if they can do it!”
The eight-part reality format produced by Workerbee, a Banijay UK company, and HBO Max. It was commissioned for Channel 4 by Phil Harris, Head of Entertainment & Events, and Steve Handley, commissioning editor, Entertainment & Live Events. The executive producers for Workerbee are Jon Cahn, Michelle Chappell and Rick Murray. The format, originally produced by Zeppelin, part of Banijay Iberia, has experienced a resurgence since Workerbee produced the UK version in 2021, with new series ordered in Brazil and Australia. Banijay Rights has struck multiple deals for the UK version with broadcasters in the Netherlands and across Africa and Latin America.
The series aired on HBO Max in the US and will be returning for a second series with HBO Max airing the same version as Channel 4 in the USA, Latin America and Asia. “We thought that building The Bridge in Wales was an epic challenge given the physical and mental endurance needed as well as coping with the Welsh weather," Managing Director of Workerbee and Executive Producer Rick Murray, said. "But this second series is in another league. Contributors might have a sunnier climate to enjoy, but the challenge will be far tougher with some devious twists and turn to throw them off course from day one.”
With a £200k jackpot at stake, the series showcases various teams competing ina dangerous landscape. AJ Odudu presents the 16 strangers come together for the chance to win the big cash prize, but unaware of the epic challenge required to take the money home. In this new series, made by Manchester-based Workerbee, a Banijay UK company, the contestants must put egos and differences aside to tackle the ultimate test of physical ability, mental skill and teamwork.
The contestants must build the courage to build a bridge over 1,000 feet of water in just 12 days to reach the cash held on top of "Fortune Rock." Whoever reaches the money first choose to share it with their teammates? "Over the last 25 years, I have been operating in some of the world’s most extreme, remote and hostile locations, but this is one of the highest-stake missions I’ve ever worked on," Aldo Kane said. "For those involved in the challenge, if they can survive the pressure, this could be a truly life-changing experience, for more reasons than just the prize money. The cash won’t come easy though, I am looking forward to putting the team through their paces and stretching their every fibre, from morals and emotions to basic campcraft and survival. This hybrid formula from Workerbee is going to be epic!”