The Jump (2014 TV series)

The Jump is a British television series that followed celebrities as they tried to master various winter sports including skeleton, bobsleigh, snowskates, ski cross, and giant slalom. Davina McCall and Alex Brooker presented the first series, with McCall returning for future series. Brooker did not return for future series, however. Winter Olympic skier Graham Bell and skeleton gold medallist Amy Williams put the celebrities through training in the UK and Austria. Britain's first Olympic ski jumper, Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards, appears live on the show to demonstrate the ski jump.[1]

The Jump
GenreReality
Sports
Presented by
Starring
ComposerDavid Lowe
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series4
No. of episodes25
Production
Executive producers
  • Melanie Leach
  • Andrew Mackenzie
  • Rachel Watson
  • Tony Moulsdale
  • Abigail Adams
  • Caroline Davies
Production locationVarious locations in Austria
Running time60–80 minutes (inc. adverts)
Production companiesTwofour and Motion Content Group
Original release
NetworkChannel 4
Release26 January 2014 (2014-01-26) –
12 March 2017 (2017-03-12)
Related

The first series was won by singer Joe McElderry on 3 February 2014.[2] In March 2014, Channel 4's chief creative officer, Jay Hunt, said she was keen to renew the show for a second series.[3] On 1 September 2014, Channel 4 confirmed that it had renewed the show for a second series in 2015.[4] The second series was won by reality television star Joey Essex.

On 28 April 2015, Channel 4 renewed the show for a third series that began on 31 January 2016.[5] The third series concluded on 6 March 2016 with retired rugby union player Ben Cohen winning the series; despite this, the series suffered controversy due to it containing the highest amount of injuries/withdrawals out of all the four series. Despite reports that the show would be cancelled after the third series due to low ratings and poor views, on 13 July 2016 it was confirmed that the show would be once again renewed for a fourth series,[6] that started on 5 February 2017 and ended 12 March with Spencer Matthews winning.

In July 2017 Channel 4 announced that the show was to be temporarily rested and would not be returning in 2018, it was expected to return for a fifth series in early 2019. However, this never happened and in December 2018 Channel 4 confirmed via Twitter that the show had been cancelled and would not be returning.[7]

Format

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The show was broadcast live on public service broadcaster Channel 4, from Innsbruck and Kühtai in Austria. Each night, the two celebrities that record the slowest time or speed in each event face a live ski jump to keep their place in the competition. The events take place in different locations in Austria and are pre-recorded, so the celebrities do not know their times when they complete the event.

The show's working title was The Alpine Games.[8] It was initially taken to ITV in 2012, but was declined after it was deemed "too dangerous" by chiefs.[9]

On the Piste

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On 20 January 2015, it was announced that a new spin-off show would air on sister channel E4. The show, called The Jump: On the Piste is hosted by Cherry Healey and features interviews with the celebrities as well as unseen footage and special guests.[10] The show did not return for the future series.

Main series results

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To date, four series have been broadcast as summarised below;

Series Start date End date Episodes Winner Runner-up Third place Hosts Mentors
1 26 January 2014 3 February 2014 8 Joe McElderry Donal MacIntyre Davina McCall
Alex Brooker
Graham Bell
Amy Williams
Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards
2 1 February 2015 9 February 2015 9 Joey Essex Mike Tindall Louise Hazel Davina McCall Graham Bell
Amy Williams
Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards
Jenny Jones
3 31 January 2016[11] 6 March 2016 6 Ben Cohen Dean Cain Tom Parker Graham Bell
Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards
Lizzy Yarnold
4 5 February 2017[12] 12 March 2017 6 Spencer Matthews Louis Smith Jason Robinson Graham Bell

Series 1 (2014)

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The twelve original celebrities taking part were revealed on 11 December 2013.[13]

Two of the original line-up withdrew from the show before it began. It was announced on 13 January 2014 that socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson had quit the show and been replaced by Laura Hamilton,[14] and actor Sam J. Jones withdrew the following day due to a shoulder injury. He was replaced by singer Ritchie Neville.[15]

Singer Joe McElderry and presenter Donal MacIntyre also trained as alternates in case somebody else pulled out.[16] Conway withdrew due to a hand injury, which led to McElderry joining the competition on 28 January (Day 3) after a live ski jump-off against MacIntyre, which he won. However, the following day, MacIntyre joined as replacement for Messenger, who was forced to withdraw due to concussion. On 3 February 2014, prior to the evening's final, Redgrave and Brigstocke withdrew for the competition due to injuries he suffered during training.[17]

The series began airing on 26 January 2014[18][19] for eight nights (except 1 February) until the final on 3 February 2014. During the live ski jump, the celebrities are given the option of three jumps – K15 (small), K24 (medium) or K40 (largest). The celebrity that jumps the shortest distance is eliminated. From Day 5 onwards, the K15 jump was removed from the competition.

Celebrity Known for Status
Nicky Clarke Celebrity hairdresser Eliminated 1st
Amy Childs The Only Way Is Essex star Eliminated 2nd
Henry Conway Socialite, party promoter & fashion journalist Withdrew
Darren Gough Former England cricketer Eliminated 3rd
Melinda Messenger Television presenter & former glamour model Withdrew
Sinitta Singer & The X Factor mentor Eliminated 4th
Laura Hamilton Television presenter and property expert since (2012–) Eliminated 5th
Kimberly Wyatt Former The Pussycat Dolls singer Eliminated 6th
Anthea Turner Television presenter Eliminated 7th
Ritchie Neville Five singer Eliminated 8th
Sir Steve Redgrave Former Olympic rower Withdrew
Marcus Brigstocke Satire comedian & actor Withdrew
Donal MacIntyre Investigative journalist Runner-up
Joe McElderry The X Factor 2009 winner Winner

Series 2 (2015)

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The sixteen original celebrities taking part were revealed on 10 December 2014.[20] On 13 December 2014, Ola Jordan had to pull out of the competition due to injury. She was replaced by Chloe Madeley.[21] On 9 January, Sally Bercow had to pull out of the competition due to injury[22] and was replaced by Jodie Kidd.[23]

Celebrity Known for Status
Phil Tufnell Former England cricketer Eliminated 1st
Dominic Parker Gogglebox star Eliminated 2nd
Heather Mills Businesswoman & animal rights activist Eliminated 3rd
Ashley Roberts Former The Pussycat Dolls singer Eliminated 4th
Louie Spence Choreographer & Pineapple Dance Studios star Eliminated 5th
Jodie Kidd Fashion model Eliminated 6th
Stacey Solomon The X Factor contestant & television presenter Eliminated 7th
Lady Victoria Hervey Model & socialite Eliminated 8th
Steve-O Jackass star Eliminated 9th
JB Gill Former JLS singer Eliminated 10th
Jon-Allan Butterworth Paralympic track cyclist Eliminated 11th
Chloe Madeley Freelance journalist & model Eliminated 12th
Louise Thompson Made in Chelsea star Eliminated 13th
Louise Hazel Olympic heptathlete Third place
Mike Tindall Former England rugby player Runner-up
Joey Essex The Only Way Is Essex star Winner

Series 3 (2016)

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The third series of The Jump began airing on 31 January 2016 on Channel 4.[24] in a weekly, instead of usual nightly format.[25] Twelve celebrity competitors took part in this series with the full line up being confirmed on 16 January 2016.[26] Tom Parker and Gemma Merna were confirmed as standby competitors in case of injury.[27] On 4 February, Tina Hobley was forced to withdraw from the competition after dislocating her elbow[28] and was replaced by Parker.[29] On 8 February, it was announced that Linford Christie could be forced to withdraw as well due to a hamstring injury.[30] The following day, it was announced that Mark-Francis Vandelli was forced to withdraw after fracturing his ankle.[31] On 11 February, it was confirmed that Christie would also leave the competition with previously eliminated contestant James Argent as his replacement.[32]

Celebrity Known for Status
Louisa Lytton EastEnders actress Eliminated 1st
Tina Hobley Holby City actress Withdrew
Rebecca Adlington Olympic freestyle swimmer Withdrew
Beth Tweddle Olympic artistic gymnast Withdrew
Mark-Francis Vandelli Made in Chelsea star Withdrew
Linford Christie Olympic sprinter Withdrew
James "Arg" Argent The Only Way Is Essex star Eliminated 2nd
Joe Swash EastEnders actor & television presenter Eliminated 3rd
Sarah Harding Girls Aloud singer & actress Withdrew
Heather Mills Businesswoman & animal rights activist Withdrew
Brian McFadden Westlife singer & television presenter Eliminated 4th
Tamara Beckwith Socialite Eliminated 5th
Sid Owen EastEnders actor & singer Eliminated 6th
Tom Parker The Wanted singer Third place
Dean Cain The New Adventures of Superman actor Runner-up
Ben Cohen Former England rugby player Winner

Series 4 (2017)

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The fourth and final series of The Jump began on 5 February 2017 on Channel 4, and was shown over six weeks. The first five celebrity contestants taking part in the series were announced on 16 November 2016. On 2 December 2016, reality TV star Lydia Bright was the sixth contestant revealed.[33] On 11 December, Josie Gibson was the next celebrity to be revealed. The full line-up was confirmed by Channel 4 on 3 January 2017.[34] It was confirmed on 2 February 2017 that model and DJ Vogue Williams had to pull out of the show due to a knee injury; she was replaced by Amy Willerton.

Celebrity Known for Status
Josie Gibson Big Brother 11 winner Eliminated 1st
Mark Dolan Comedian & television presenter Eliminated 2nd
Robbie Fowler Former England footballer Eliminated 3rd
Sir Bradley Wiggins Cycling legend Withdrew
Jade Jones Olympic taekwondo athlete Eliminated 4th
Caprice Bourret Model and businesswoman Withdrew
Gareth Thomas Former Welsh rugby player Withdrew
Emma Parker Bowles Motoring correspondent Eliminated 5th
Lydia Bright The Only Way Is Essex star Eliminated 6th
Kadeena Cox Paralympic athlete and cyclist Eliminated 7th
Amy Willerton Miss Universe Great Britain 2013 Eliminated 8th
Jason Robinson Former England rugby captain Third place
Louis Smith Olympic artistic gymnast Runner-up
Spencer Matthews Made in Chelsea star Winner

Reception

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Critical reception

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The Jump received negative reviews from viewers and critics alike. Sally Newall of The Independent called it "a bonkers, scary mash-up of Big Brother and Ski Sunday",[35] whilst Alex Fletcher of Digital Spy said "It was more painful than a snowball in the mouth."[36] In a one-star review, The Daily Telegraph's Michael Hogan said that "We were promised celebrities risking life and limb on The Jump. What we actually got was publicity-seeking C-listers plopping off a ski jump so small that it could double as a speed bump or playground slide. It all put the anti-climactic icing on a deeply disappointing cake."[37] Jonathan Whiley said that, "This is reality TV taken to its limits; manufactured, emotionless crap wheeled out through desperation. I'm usually all for that mind, providing it throws up entertainment which this, sadly, lacks from start to finish."[38]

During series 3, several viewers demanded that the show be cancelled following the reported injuries of three castmembers in just the first two weeks of filming.[39] Tina Hobley suffered a dislocated elbow on 4 February.[40] She was released, but left the competition.[41] On 7 February, it was announced that Rebecca Adlington would leave the show following a dislocated shoulder and Beth Tweddle would also leave the show following a back injury.[42] Similarly, Tom Parker tore ligaments in his hand.[43]

Ratings

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Official ratings are taken from BARB,[44] but do not include Channel 4 +1.

Series Start date End date Series average
(millions)
Air date Official rating
(millions)[44]
Air date Official rating
(millions)[44]
1 26 January 2014 2.62 3 February 2014 1.89 2.16
2 1 February 2015 2.85 9 February 2015 2.06 2.13
3 31 January 2016 2.41 6 March 2016 1.87 2.05
4 5 February 2017 2.83 12 March 2017 1.88 2.16

References

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  1. ^ "Channel 4 revealed the famous faces preparing to take The Jump". Channel 4 Press. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  2. ^ Eames, Tom (3 February 2014). "Joe McElderry wins Channel 4's The Jump". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  3. ^ Wightman, Catriona (10 March 2014). "The Jump: Channel 4 boss Jay Hunt keen to renew winter sports show". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  4. ^ Eames, Tom (1 September 2014). "Channel 4 recommissions The Jump for a second series". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  5. ^ Catriona Wightman (28 April 2015). "The Jump has been renewed for a third and final series by Channel 4". Digital Spy.
  6. ^ "The Jump is coming back to Channel 4 for a fourth season". Newsbeat. BBC Online. 13 July 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  7. ^ 4Viewers [@4Viewers] (10 December 2018). "Sorry James. We have no info on another series of #TheJump at this time but we will definitely pass on your interest" (Tweet) – via Twitter.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ "Channel 4 hits the piste with live TV series The Alpine Games (w/t)". Channel 4 Press. 6 September 2013. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  9. ^ Methven, Nicola (25 January 2014). "ITV rejected Channel 4's The Jump two years ago for being "too dangerous"". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  10. ^ Wightman, Catriona (20 January 2015). "The Jump: Cherry Healey to host E4 sister show On The Piste – The Jump News – Reality TV". Digital Spy. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
  11. ^ "The Jump". RadioTimes.
  12. ^ "The Jump – what time is it on TV? Episode 1 Series 4 cast list and preview".
  13. ^ Wightman, Catriona (11 December 2013). "Steve Redgrave, my Childs, Sinitta for C4 winter sports show The Jump". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 11 December 2013.
  14. ^ Eames, Tom (13 January 2014). "Tara Palmer-Tomkinson quits Channel 4's The Jump, Laura Hamilton joins". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  15. ^ Wightman, Catriona (14 January 2014). "The Jump: Sam Jones out with injury, 5ive's Ritchie Neville steps in". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 14 January 2014.
  16. ^ Daly, Emma (26 January 2014). "The Jump: Singer Joe McElderry and journalist Donal MacIntyre on standby". Radio Times. Immediate Media Company. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  17. ^ Denham, Jess (3 February 2014). "The Jump: Sir Steve Redgrave pulls out of Channel 4 final after training injuries". The Independent. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
  18. ^ Grahama, Allison. "The Jump Series 1 – Episode 1". Radio Times. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  19. ^ Scott, Matt (15 January 2014). "Confirmed: C5 moves Celeb BB final to Tuesday 28th". bbspy. Retrieved 15 January 2014.
  20. ^ Harris, Jamie (10 December 2014). "Channel 4 reveals lineup for The Jump 2015: Joey Essex, Heather Mills, more". Digital Spy. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
  21. ^ Hegarty, Tasha (13 December 2014). "Strictly's Ola Jordan pulls out of The Jump after accident in training". Digital Spy. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
  22. ^ Rigby, Sam (9 January 2015). "The Jump: Sally Bercow pulls out of Channel 4 show with fractured ribs". Digital Spy. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
  23. ^ Rigby, Sam (9 January 2015). "The Jump: Jodie Kidd to replace injured Sally Bercow". Digital Spy. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
  24. ^ "The Jump set to return to Channel 4 for third series – Channel 4 – Info – Press".
  25. ^ Darvill, Josh (18 January 2016). "The Jump 2016 to air weekly for its third series". Tellymix. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  26. ^ "The Jump lineup confirmed as 12 famous faces prepare to hit the slopes – Channel 4 – Info – Press".
  27. ^ Ben Lee (19 January 2016). "The Jump: The Wanted's Tom Parker and Gemma Merna brought in on standby". Digital Spy.
  28. ^ Hannah Hope (4 February 2016). "The Jump star Tina Hobley forced to pull out of show after dislocating her elbow". mirror.
  29. ^ Catriona Wightman (5 February 2016). "The Jump: The Wanted's Tom Parker will replace Tina Hobley on the show". Digital Spy.
  30. ^ Jack Shepherd (8 February 2016). "The Jump: Linford Christie becomes fourth contestant to require treatment in two weeks". The Independent. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022.
  31. ^ "Mark-Francis Vandelli leaves The Jump after fracturing ankle". The Guardian. 9 February 2016.
  32. ^ Justin Harp (11 February 2016). "Linford Christie is leaving The Jump because of injury now too – with James Argent jumping in as a replacement". Digital Spy.
  33. ^ "'The Jump' Signs Up 'TOWIE' Star For New Series". 2 December 2016.
  34. ^ "Sir Bradley Wiggins to compete in The Jump". Channel 4. 3 January 2017.
  35. ^ Newall, Sally (27 January 2014). "A bonkers, scary mash-up of Big Brother and Ski Sunday". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  36. ^ Fletcher, Alex (26 January 2014). "The Jump review: Worse than a snowball in the mouth". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  37. ^ Hogan, Michael (27 January 2014). "The Jump, Channel 4: episode one review". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  38. ^ Whiley, Jonathan (27 January 2014). "TV review: Channel 4's The Jump with Eddie 'the Eagle' Edwards is off-piste from start to finish". Gloucestershire Echo. Local World. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  39. ^ Jack Shepherd (8 February 2016). "The Jump: Viewers ask Channel 4 to scrap show as Beth Tweddle, Rebecca Adlington and Tina Hobley hospitalised in less than two weeks". The Independent. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022.
  40. ^ Hannah Hope (5 February 2016). "Shocking moment The Jump star Tina Hobley dislocated her elbow after horror fall". Daily Mirror.
  41. ^ Huw Fullerton. "The Jump injuries continue: Tina Hobley leaves Channel 4 series". RadioTimes.
  42. ^ Waterson, Jim (25 January 2019). "Olympian Beth Tweddle sues The Jump makers over injuries". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  43. ^ Rebecca Pocklington (2 February 2016). "Tom Parker rips ligaments in his hand after nasty tumble on The Jump". Daily Mirror.
  44. ^ a b c "Top 30 Programmes – BARB". BARB. Retrieved 3 February 2014.
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