Unbreakable
Rob Beckett on hosting a show where six celebrities have their relationships tested…
Thu, 8pm, BBC1 (Wales, BBC2) Reality
Hosted by Rob Beckett, this six-part celebrity challenge show sees former Corrie actor Denise Welch, Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, comedian Stephen Bailey, celebrity plumber Charlie Mullins, Olympic BMX star Shanaze Reade and war hero Simon Weston paired with their real-life partners to compete to prove they have the strongest relationship. All take part in a series of mental, physical and emotional challenges specifically designed to push their bonds to breaking point.
Q How would you describe your new show, Unbreakable?
A It’s like a mix of All Star Mr & Mrs, I’m a Celebrity and Big Brother. Celebrities are tested on how well they know their partner, combined with physical challenges. Then there’s the Big Brother element of the celebrities’ partners being people we haven’t really met before. We get a lot of ‘showmances’ on shows like Love Island, but this series features real couples in proper relationships.
Q Celebrities taking part include Loose Women’s Denise Welch, Falklands war hero Simon Weston and Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas. Do we learn more about these stars through their relationships?
A Yes, a different side is revealed on this show. Denise is quite fiery and flips out when things go wrong, but her husband Lincoln is so good at calming her down. You can see how they work as a couple. Shirley is so opinionated on Strictly, but here we see her cuddling up with her partner Danny. Simon, who appears with wife Lucy, is known for being a stoic man, but I couldn’t believe how silly and jokey he was.
Q What are the challenges?
A They take part in everything from bungee jumps to getting tattoos together and we see the celebrities really let their guard down with their partners. Stephen Bailey is a fearless stand-up, but when faced with the bungee jump, he froze and needed hugs from his boyfriend, Rich. It was really cute. Then there are mental challenges, which involve knowing things about your partner. I guess it’s more terrifying if you get that wrong!
Q How does the competition element work?
A The couples are awarded points by our experts, relationship psychotherapist Anjula Mutanda and agony aunt Maria Mcerlane, who score them on how they did in the challenge itself and how well they worked together. Anjula and Maria also guide them through ways they can improve their relationships. Each week, the couple with the fewest points leaves. They were all really competitive and wanted to win!