‘The next Ant and Dec’ lined up to host new game show with huge jackpot

A BRAND new TV duo are being heralded as the new Ant and Dec after being handpicked by ITV to present a huge new game show.

The Geordie duo could be facing competition in the presenting stakes as Saturday Night Takeaway comes to a close with a new pair of cheeky chappies securing ITV‘s latest programme.

Brothers Ryan and Adam Thomas have been chosen to present 99 to Beat after The Sun confirmed that ITV would be launching the new programme which will see 100 players go head-to-head with the aim of becoming the last contender standing. 

The programme will be the first show they have presented together as a duo and their first time working on a primetime entertainment series.

While the brothers host their own podcast Mancs on the Mic with their other brother Scott and have worked on their own travel programme in the past, it marks a step in the next direction of their TV careers.

The news comes weeks after Ryan secured the crown on Dancing on Ice and mere months after Adam dazzled on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor.

Speaking of their appointment, a TV insider told :  “This game show will bring plenty of laughs and needs happy-go-lucky hosts at the helm.

“Ryan and Adam fit the bill perfectly and it would be great to see the brothers working together as TV hosts for the first time.

“The could be a really exciting new chapter for them and should be a lot of fun. They are so natural together. Hey, it worked for Ant and Dec…”

The Sun previously told how contestants on the show would be aged 18 to 80 with ITV set to offer up a huge cash prize in similar vein to their other high-stakes programmes, including Ant and Dec‘s very own Limitless Win.

Contestants will take on a range of huge, “visually distinctive” games – just like on Netflix’s fun, challenge spin-off from the dystopian series Squid Game.

There is just one simple rule, though, which is not to come last.

A TV source said: “Whether it’s trying to find a dummy hidden in a vat of jelly or putting on a frozen t-shirt, the only aim of the game is to not come last. If they do, they’re out.

“The format is already successful in seven countries with multiple series in Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Poland.

“The eight-part series starts with 100 contestants, and viewers will follow as players go head-to-head in a range of visually distinctive and often hilarious games.

“After each round, the number of players is gradually whittled down, with only one person taking the top prize.”

Throughout the eight-part series, viewers will get to know the players in depth and start to root for their favourites.

Casting for 99 To Beat will begin soon, with filming to commence later this year.