A NEW ITV challenge show descended into chaos yesterday when three contestants had to be rushed to hospital.
One insider described scenes of “f***ing disaster” after the Squid-Games inspired show’s 100 challengers had to jump into a 20ft pile of hay to escape elimination.
ITV’s yet-to-air challenge show 99 to Beat sees contestants face-off in a series of physical tasks to avoid elimination until just one is left standing.
During yesterday’s filming, three contestants needed urgent hospital care after “developing an allergic reaction” – with a number more treated at the scene.
One man suffered a head injury after he fainted in the toilets following the challenge, an insider claimed.
No one suffered life-changing injuries.
The show’s format has already been a big hit in Europe with a number of series having aired in the Netherlands, Poland, Belgium and Germany.
Initial TV, the production company behind hit shows such as Big Brother, Soccer Aid and Total Wipeout, is now hoping to bring the game show to UK TV screens with ITV.
The show, presented by Adam and Ryan Thomas, is still in production, and an on-site medic was present during the game and was able to quickly assist people.
In November 2023, contestants on Netflix’s Squid Game spin-off game show decided to take legal action claiming they suffered serious injuries including hypothermia and nerve damage.
The allegation comes after some complained about feeling unwell after they had to stay motionless for hours in freezing temperatures while filming in the UK for new series Squid Game: The Challenge.
A spokesperson for the South Central Ambulance Service said: “We were called this morning to Shinfield to reports of people who had become unwell.
“We sent to the scene a number of ambulance resources to asses patients.
“Three patients were taken to hospital for further treatment to non-life threatening issues, and others were assessed at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.”
A spokesperson for the production company told The Sun: “A small number of contestants received medical attention after having an adverse reaction to hay, while participating in a game to retrieve chopsticks from a large haystack.
“Filming was temporarily suspended and is due to resume later this week.
“Contributor welfare remains our top priority, and our established robust health and safety processes are regularly reviewed and assessed.”
ITV declined to comment when approached by The Sun.
