Actor and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness will lead an all-star cast in the new Channel 4 show Don't Look Down which kicks off on Tuesday (October 10). 

McGuinness will be joined by the likes of Olympic gold medalist Victoria Pendleton, Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt and Love Island finalist Chris Hughes in what is being labelled "TV’s scariest challenge show". 

The series, which consists of five episodes, will see the celebrities complete physically and mentally demanding high-wire exercises and stunts in a training camp in the Austrian Alps.

At the end of training, the ultimate test awaits McGuinness and the gang as they’re tasked with tackling a never-before-attempted feat: highwire walking across the London Stadium, home of the 2012 Olympics.

All this with the aim of raising money for Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C). 

McGuinness said when it came to taking part in Don't Look Down it was a no-brainer, although questioned his decision slightly when he found himself jumping off Austria’s highest suspension bridge.

He said: "I’ve done stuff for Stand Up to Cancer in the past, and Channel 4 got in touch about doing this show, and for me, well, everyone, whether we like it or not, knows someone that has been affected by cancer, or been affected personally.

"Then when you’re hosting something, you’re normally like, “Off you go,” but when they said about getting involved a little bit, I thought, that’s quite interesting, I’ve never seen that done before.

"I’ve never seen Ant and Dec in the jungle eating a kangaroo’s penis – they’re always like, “Go on, get it down you!”

"But I’ve got to say, I was on top of Austria’s highest suspension bridge the other day, throwing myself off it, and I thought, I should have thought this one through to be honest [laughs].

"It’s been great. It’s a good group, and I think we got lucky with that. Everyone’s supportive of each other. If someone’s having a bad day, or really scared, everyone gets around them and makes them feel a little better."

Don't Look Down cast

There are 10 celebrities taking part in Channel 4's Don't Look Down for SU2C including McGuinness who will be host and team leader in the show.

The 10 celebrities taking part are:

  • Paddy McGuinness (actor and TV presenter) - Host and Team Leader
  • Beverley Callard (Coronation Street legend)
  • Anton Ferdinand (former footballer)
  • Kimberly Wyatt (Pussycat Dolls and presenter)
  • Chris Hughes (Love Island finalist and sports pundit)
  • David Ginola (French football icon)  
  • Charley Boorman (adventurer and motoring expert)
  • GK Barry (TikTok star)
  • Fats Timbo (comedian and content creator)
  • Victoria Pendleton (Olympic champion cyclist and jockey)

Channel 4 said each member of the Don’t Look Down team has been touched by cancer in some way and is determined to raise money for SU2C.

When to watch Don't Look Down for SU2C?

Don't Look Down for SU2C starts on Tuesday, October 10 at 9.30pm on Channel 4.

The first episode will see celebs begin their high-wire training with a backward jump off of Austria's highest suspension bridge, according to Radio Times.