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''Total Wipeout'' is a British game show, hosted by Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram, which first aired on the BBC on 3 January 2009. In each episode, contestants competed in a series of challenges in an attempt to win £10,000. These challenges were based in large pools of water or mud and generally involved large assault courses that contestants had to cross. These were gradually eliminated over four rounds until one contestant remained, who won a £10,000 cash prize and a trophy. ''Total Wipeout'' was a licensed version of '' Wipeout'', the Endemol show that originated in the United States in 2008, with the name slightly altered to avoid confusion with the BBC version of the earlier game show of the same name. The show originally ran for six series, including a special winter-themed series, from 3 January 2009 until 31 December 2012. In the summer of 2020, ''
Top Gear Top Gear may refer to: * "Top gear", the highest gear available in a vehicle's manual transmission Television * ''Top Gear'' (1977 TV series), a British motoring magazine programme * ''Top Gear'' (2002 TV series), a relaunched version of the or ...
'' presenters Freddie Flintoff and
Paddy McGuinness Patrick Joseph McGuinness (born 14 August 1973) is an English actor, comedian and television presenter. He rose to fame with the help of Peter Kay, who invited him to appear in his programmes ''That Peter Kay Thing'', '' Phoenix Nights'' and ''M ...
hosted a six-episode best-of series, featuring the presenters narrating classic episodes of the show, called ''Total Wipeout: Freddie and Paddy Takeover''.


Format

The show is hosted by Richard Hammond, who commentates as the contestants attempt to complete the challenges. He is also seen in a studio to provide certain links within the show. Although the main footage was filmed in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Hammond recorded his sections from a studio in England. Meanwhile, Amanda Byram interviewed the contestants during the show and remained on the sidelines as they made their way through the course.


Gameplay

During ''Total Wipeout'' contestants are put through a series of obstacle courses and challenges. After each challenge a certain number of them are eliminated from the competition. After the fourth and final round the fastest of the remaining three competitors around the course wins the game and the cash prize. The eliminated contestants can be seen sitting at the side during later challenges.


Stage 1


The Qualifier

''The Qualifier'' involves contestants attempting to complete a short obstacle course in the least time possible; the eight contestants with the slowest times are eliminated, with the fastest twelve advancing to the second round (although in the case of the Celebrity specials, all participating contestants take part in the first two rounds). The Qualifier contains the dominant Sucker Punch and Big Balls. The first and last obstacles change every week, however the first obstacle is always set over a pool of water or mud, and the final obstacle is always a 'swing' to the goal. 54 contenders in the show's history have conquered the Big Balls, declared by Hammond as the hardest Wipeout obstacle ever. Those are: Jo and Carole (Series 1, Episode 5), Kierron (Series 1, Episode 7), Alice (Series 2, Episode 2), Alex (Series 2, Episode 6), Eliza, Julian and Victoria (Series 2, Episode 8), Chris and Katie (Series 2, "Champion of Champions"), Paul and Nix (Series 3, Episode 2), Colm, Nic, Ed and Becky (Series 3, Episode 6), Junior and Andy (Series 3, "Champion of Champions"), Jason King and Sarah Cawood (Series 3, "Celebrity Special #2"), Liam (Series 4, Episode 1), Andy (Series 4, Episode 3 and Champion of Champions), Katie (Series 4, Episode 5), Fran (Series 4, Episode 6), Tamara (Series 4, Episode 7) Scott, Frankie, Mikey and James (Series 4, "Champion of Champions"), Chris Simmons (Series 4, "Celebrity Special #1"), Tupele Dorgu and Dean Macey (Series 4 "Celebrity Special #2"), Marina (Winter Wipeout, Episode 1), Dan (Winter Wipeout, Episode 3 and Champion of Champions), Lawrence (Winter Wipeout, Episode 6), John W (Winter Wipeout, Episode 6 and Champion of Champions), Tom (Winter Wipeout, Episode 7) Edward (Winter Wipeout, Episode 8), Jon, Helen, Mikey and John C (Winter Wipeout, "Champion of Champions"),
Nicola McLean Nicola June McLean (born 18 September 1981) is an English glamour model; and television and media personality. She was a contestant in '' I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'' in 2008, and ''Celebrity Big Brother'' in 2012 and again in the ...
(Series 5, "Celebrity Special #1"), Clare Nasir (Series 5, "Celebrity Special #2"), Becky and Amanda (Series 5 Episode 1), Ron and Alex (Series 5, Episode 4) William and Helene (Series 5 Episode 7), Amy, Ellen and Liam (Series 5 Episode 8), and Ashley, (Series 5 "Champion of Champions"). Only 7 contestants; Kierron (Series 1, Episode 7), Becky and Ed (Series 3, Episode 6), Junior (Series 3, "Champion of Champions"), James (Series 4, "Champion of Champions"), Chris Simmons (Series 4, "Celebrity Special #1") and William (Series 5, Episode 7) have not fallen off any obstacle during the Qualifier. The fastest time on the Qualifier is 0:56 by Dean Macey (Series 4, Episode 12), and the slowest time is 16:44 by ‘Bouncy’ Jill (Series 3, Episode 1).


Do & Don’ts (Series 2)

Richard Hammond explains the “do & don’ts for success” for a particular Total Wipeout moment from the course in Argentina. *Episode 1: Big Balls *Episode 2: The Sweeper *Episode 3: Interviews *Episode 4: Dizzy Dummies *Episode 5: Sucker Punch *Episode 6: Speeches (note: filmed during an episode of a
Bulgaria Bulgaria (; bg, България, Bǎlgariya), officially the Republic of Bulgaria,, ) is a country in Southeast Europe. It is situated on the eastern flank of the Balkans, and is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedo ...
n adaption of Wipeout) *Episode 7: Swings *Episode 8: Wipeout Zone


Stage 2


The Sweeper (Series 1–2)

''The Sweeper'' involves the twelve remaining contestants standing on podiums, over water, while a robotic arm with a long metal rod sweeps across the podiums in a circular motion. Before the Sweeper starts, Richard Hammond tells who is on what podium by naming the podiums from 1–12 in order. The contestants have to jump over it, with the arm getting faster and higher in random sections of every rotation. The game continues until a single player remains, but unlike the American version the winner does not receive a prize. The six contestants who are first to fall are eliminated; the rest move on to Dizzy Dummies. In Series 2 the rules were modified so that only the final five advanced instead of six (depending on the next challenge). Series 2 saw modified versions of The Sweeper, including "The Crusher" and the addition of Potato Sacks. Claire (Series 2, Episode 4 and Champion of Champions) is the only contestant who has come first in the Sweeper round twice.


Crash Mountain (Series 3–4)

Series 3 introduced a brand new challenge, in the form of ''Crash Mountain''. Crash Mountain involves the twelve remaining contestants standing on 10 ft tall podiums over water while three robotic arms swing round in a circular motion. Before Crash Mountain starts, Richard Hammond will tell who is on what podium by naming the podiums from 1–12 in order. 1 arm is designed for the contestants to jump onto to reach the centre of the mountain; the other 2 arms are designed to knock the contestants into the water while spinning in opposite directions. If any contestants falls into the water they must go to any unoccupied podium, climb and attempt it again. Contestants do not have to attempt to reach the mountain on every rotation of the arm. The five who make it to the centre first advance to Dizzy Dummies. Brian (Series 3 Episode 7 and Series 3 Champion of Champions) and James (Series 4 Episode 3 and Series 4 Champion of Champions) were the only 2 people to win Crash Mountain twice. Series 4 episode 9 (the Champions of Champions) was the only episode when it was an all-male crash mountain.


Double Cross (Series 5)

In Series 5, ''Double Cross'' was introduced and is the same as the American version: contestants enter on the three green platforms and exit from the single red one as four sweeper arms come the other way. The fastest six go through to Terror-Go-Round.


Ski Lift (Winter Wipeout)

For Winter Wipeout, the ''Ski Lift'' is used instead of Double Cross. The ''Ski Lift'' works the same as the American version, which involves the twelve remaining contestants standing on podiums on a "human merry-go-round", over water, while two robotic sweeper arms, called the Scary quid Ski-poles, spin around trying to knock them over. The contestants have to use the grab-bars provided to lift themselves over the sweepers, which spin faster and higher in random sections of every rotation. The game continues until a single player remains, but unlike the American version the winner does not receive a prize. The seven contestants who are first to fall are eliminated; the rest move on to the next round – Winter Blunderland.


Stage 3

In Series 2–3, both Dizzy Dummies and The Dreadmill were used. Either Dizzy Dummies or The Dreadmill was played in each episode for stage 3. The Dreadmill was only used once, in episode 7 of Series 3, but both obstacles were used more equally in the second series.


Dizzy Dummies (Series 1–4)

''Dizzy Dummies'' involves two rounds with one contestant being eliminated in each round. The five contestants are strapped onto a "human merry-go-round" and spun at speed for 40 seconds. When they are released, the contestants must make their way to the finish line by crossing the obstacles in their way. The challenge has two different routes: round 1 uses the first route, round 2 uses the second. The final contestant in each round to reach the finish line is eliminated. The rest spin again and take part in the next round. Examples of obstacles in Dizzy Dummies include the Tippy Tables, Teeter Totters, Dock Maze, Crazy Beams, Doughnuts and the Barrel Crossing. In Series 3 Dizzy Dummies was upgraded, including the addition of The Spinner (from the American challenge "Dizzy Dummy 2.0") and further new obstacles.


The Dreadmill (Series 2–3)

''The Dreadmill'' also involves three rounds in which the six semi-finalists are paired up. There are two challenges on the dreadmill, which change from show to show. In the first challenge the participants must stand on two parallel treadmills, and when the klaxon sounds they must duck to avoid a giant swinging wrecking ball, which is being lowered and getting faster with every swing. The first person who falls from The Dreadmill is eliminated. In the second challenge, when the klaxon sounds the contestants must lift three rubber doors to reach the end of The Dreadmill. The last person to reach the end of The Dreadmill, or the first to fall off, is eliminated. In both challenges the dreadmill is going against them, making the challenge even harder. The winners of each of the three heats advance to 'The Wipeout Zone'.


Terror-Go-Round (Series 5)

''Terror-Go-Round'' is the same as the American version except for the name; the American version is called 'The Spinner Round'. Contestants need to keep running while the sweeper arms move and the Terror Twins throw things at them. The game is played over three heats, with the winner of each heat going through to 'The Wipeout Zone'.


Winter Blunderland (Winter Wipeout)

For Winter Wipeout, ''Winter Blunderland'' is used. The course is the same as the American version; except for the name which is different. The five contestants are strapped onto a "human merry-go-round" and spun at speed for 40 seconds (same as Dizzy Dummies). When they are released, the contestants must make their way to the finish line by crossing the obstacles in their way. The obstacles remain the same each week but a different course "theme" may be used (Ice Hockey or The Alps for example). The game is played twice and each time the final contestant to reach the finish line is eliminated. The remaining three contestants advance to 'The Wipeout Zone'.


Final Stage


The Wipeout Zone

''The Wipeout Zone'' is the final stage of the competition. The three remaining contestants must complete the "toughest obstacle course in the world" in the quickest time possible. The contestant who completes the zone fastest wins the grand prize of £10,000. The Wipeout Zone is made up of five/six obstacles. In later series and Winter Wipeout, the contestant does not have to re-attempt the obstacle if they fall off; they simply swim to the next to save time. After 6 series of Total Wipeout, only 5 episodes have seen a female winner: Rachel of Series 2, Episode 2,
Danielle Lloyd Danielle Lloyd (formerly O'Hara; born 16 December 1983) is an English model and television personality. A former Miss England (2004) and Miss Great Britain (2006), Lloyd first rose to prominence when she was stripped of her Miss Great Britain ti ...
of the second Celebrity Special, Mica of Winter Wipeout Series 1, Episode 5, Kia of Series 5, Episode 3 and Nicola of Series 5, Episode 8. In addition, Series 5, Episode 3 was the first episode to feature an all-female Wipeout Zone. Whilst in its existence, not a single contestant fell off the Seesaw of Truth. Course times The fastest time of 1:10 on the old Wipeout Zone was set by James (Series 2, Episode 8), and he matched that time in Champions of Champions. The fastest regular contestant time in the new Wipeout Zone was set by both Scott and William with 0:58 albeit during different shows. In the Celebrity Special #8,
Dalton Grant Dalton Grant (born 8 April 1966) is a former high jumper. Athletics career Grant won a total number of four national titles for Great Britain (AAA Championships) in the men's high jump event. His personal best jump is 2.36 metres, achieved ...
beat the record with 0:54, making him the record holder. The slowest winning time on the Wipeout Zone is 4:53 (set by Steve, Series 1 Episode 2). The nine main episodes of Series 4 winning times were 100 seconds or under, with 0:58 being the fastest and 1:40 being the slowest. Winter Wipeout The winning times have varied for those who competed in ''Winter Wipeout''. The fastest winning time is 1:34 (set by Dan A, Episode 8) and the slowest winning time is 4:29 (set by Mica, Episode 5). The slowest time was set in Episode 5, by Ross who finished in 9:13. The times set were generally slower this series due to the obstacles being much harder than in previous series; out of the 33 contestants who took part in the Wipeout Zone, only 6 crossed the "Impossible Snowflakes" obstacle—Dan B (Episode 4), Aaron (Episode 6), Mikey (Episode 8), Dan A and Olly (Episode 9 "Champion of Champions") and John W (Episode 6 and Episode 9 "Champion of Champions"). John W was the only contestant who crossed the Impossible Snowflakes twice. The Course layout


Specials

Alongside the regular episodes, a variety of special episodes were held after the main competition. Present in all series so far is The Total Wipeout Awards show (called The Snow Globes in ''Winter Wipeout''), which served as a recap of all of the best moments from the series, from "Best Big Balls Moment" to "Best Wipeout Zone Wipeout". Series 2–5
Starting from Series 2 was a Final, in which the finalists from the previous episodes would tackle the course again to determine who would be crowned "Champion of Champions". Although meant to feature all three Wipeout Zone contestants from each heat, no Final has featured all of them. Series 3 & 5
Series 3 also introduced The Legends special, which gave competitors from across all the previous series a second chance to reach the Wipeout Zone. A similar special episode, called Last Chance Saloon, featured in Series 5. Series 4
In Series 4 there has been a North vs. South Special with individuals from the North and the South of the country to see "who is better". Also in Series 4 there was an International Special in which a handful of British contestants went head-to-head with contestants from around the world as ''Total Wipeout'' went global for the first time, each side captained by a former ''Total Wipeout'' "legend", Les (Series 2, Episode 3) (captain of Team GB) and Ali (Series 3, Episodes 1 and 9, Series 4, Episode 9) (captain for rest of the world)


''Celebrity Total Wipeout''

During Total Wipeout's run, celebrity specials have been aired since series 2. The format is slightly different from the original show. There are ten celebrities in each show and all of them compete in both the Qualifier and the following round. After these rounds points are given, with the best performing celebrity scoring ten, and the worst performer receiving one. After the two rounds the points are added up and the five highest scorers progress to Stage 3. In the case of a tie, the celebrity with the faster Qualifier time goes through. This mainly happened in Series 3 celebrity specials: Episode 11: Michela Strachan and Tony Tobin both had 12 points, Michela went through as her qualifier time was faster than Tony's Episode 12: Nina Toussaint-White and John Regis has 12 points, Nina went through as her qualifier time was faster than John's but Jeremy Edwards was injured so John replaced him.


Contestants

The first episode, which aired on 26 December 2009, featured fitness expert Kevin Adams, '' Strictly Come Dancing'' professional dancers James and
Ola Jordan Aleksandra "Ola" Jordan (''née'' Grabowska; born 30 September 1982) is a British-Polish professional ballroom dancer and model. She appeared as a professional on the British TV show ''Strictly Come Dancing'' from 2006 to 2015. After winning a ch ...
, actor Luke Bailey, '' I'm a Celebrity…Get Me out of Here!'' 2008 winner and former '' EastEnders'' star
Joe Swash Joseph Adam Swash is an English actor and television presenter, best known for his role of Mickey Miller in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' and various presenting roles with ITV2. He won the eighth series of '' I'm a Celebrity...Get Me ...
, TV presenter
Kaye Adams Kaye Adams (born 28 December 1962) is a United Kingdom, Scottish television presenter and journalist. She was an anchor on ITV (TV network), ITV topical discussion show ''Loose Women'' from 1999 to 2006 and again from 2013 and was a regular pa ...
, stand-up comedian and actor
Tim Vine Timothy Mark Vine (born 4 March 1967) is an English comedian, actor, writer, and presenter best known for his one-liners and his role on the sitcom ''Not Going Out'' (2006–2014). He has released a number of stand-up comedy specials and has wr ...
, vocal coach and session singer
Carrie Grant Caroline Vanessa Grant, (''née'' Gray, born 17 August 1965) is an English vocal coach, television presenter and session singer. Career Grant is known for her work on the television talent contests ''Fame Academy'', '' Comic Relief Does Fame A ...
, soap star
Adele Silva Adele Silva (born 19 November 1980) is an English actress. She played the role of Kelly Windsor in the ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale'' on and off from 1993 to 2011. In 1989, she had a minor role in the final classic series ''Doctor Who'' story '' ...
, and javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread. The winner was Luke Bailey with James Jordan in second and Kevin Adams in third after having to withdraw because of an injury. In the special Richard Hammond filmed his segments on set in Buenos Aires. The second episode, which aired on 2 January 2010, featured ex-'' EastEnders'' star Chris Parker, comedian
Joe Pasquale Joseph Ellis Pasquale (born 20 August 1961) is an English comedian, actor and television presenter. He won the fourth series of '' I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!'' in 2004 and participated in the eighth series of ''Dancing on Ice'' ...
, presenter Dominic Littlewood, actress and former Kenny Everett sidekick
Cleo Rocos Cleo Rocos (born 24 July 1962, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is a UK-based comedy actress, producer, presenter and businesswoman who starred alongside Kenny Everett on '' The Kenny Everett Television Show''. Early life Rocos was born in Brazil. Her ...
, ex-Olympic hurdler
Sally Gunnell Sally Jane Janet Gunnell (born 29 July 1966) is a British former track and field athlete, active between 1984 and 1997, who won the 1992 Olympic gold medal in the 400 metres hurdles. During a golden 24-month period between 1992 and 1994, Gunn ...
, CBBC presenter
Kirsten O'Brien Kirsten Lindsey O'Brien (born 23 February 1972) is an English television presenter and actress. She is perhaps best known for her work presenting for the BBC, including the popular CBBC art programme '' SMart'' from 1999 to 2009, and CBeebies ...
, '' Loose Women'' presenter Andrea McLean, model
Danielle Lloyd Danielle Lloyd (formerly O'Hara; born 16 December 1983) is an English model and television personality. A former Miss England (2004) and Miss Great Britain (2006), Lloyd first rose to prominence when she was stripped of her Miss Great Britain ti ...
and children's TV duo
Sam Nixon Sam Nixon is an English singer and television presenter. He came third on the ''Pop Idol'' television series in 2003 and is now one half of the duo Sam & Mark, with the other being Mark Rhodes. Early life He was originally a catering stude ...
and Mark Rhodes. The winner was Danielle Lloyd with Dominic Littlewood in second just one second behind Lloyd (Lloyd finished in 2:43 while Littlewood finished in 2:44) and Chris Parker in third. Series 3
In September 2010, another two ''Celebrity Total Wipeout'' specials were aired. The first, which aired on 18 September 2010, featured Michaela Strachan,
Siân Lloyd Siân Mary Lloyd (born 3 July 1958) is a Welsh television presenter and meteorologist from Maesteg. She was the United Kingdom's longest-serving female weather forecaster, having appeared on ITV Weather for 24 years, from 1990 until 2014. B ...
,
Joe Absolom Joe Absolom (born 16 December 1978) is an English actor known for his roles as Matthew Rose in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Al Large in the ITV comedy drama '' Doc Martin''. Early life Absolom was born in Lewisham, London. A former ...
, Antony Costa,
Kate Lawler Kate Lawler (born 7 May 1980) is an English television personality, presenter, model and DJ. She became the first female winner of '' Big Brother UK'' after winning the third series of the reality series in 2002. Since ''Big Brother'', she has ...
, Ninia Benjamin,
Jeff Brazier Jeffrey Carl Brazier (born 27 May 1979) is an English television personality and presenter. Early life and education Brazier was brought up in Tiptree, near Colchester in Essex, and attended Thurstable School, a mixed state comprehensive scho ...
, Iwan Thomas and Tony Tobin. Nancy Lam was supposed to take part, but had to pull out and spectate.
Joe Absolom Joe Absolom (born 16 December 1978) is an English actor known for his roles as Matthew Rose in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Al Large in the ITV comedy drama '' Doc Martin''. Early life Absolom was born in Lewisham, London. A former ...
won, with
Jeff Brazier Jeffrey Carl Brazier (born 27 May 1979) is an English television personality and presenter. Early life and education Brazier was brought up in Tiptree, near Colchester in Essex, and attended Thurstable School, a mixed state comprehensive scho ...
and
Kate Lawler Kate Lawler (born 7 May 1980) is an English television personality, presenter, model and DJ. She became the first female winner of '' Big Brother UK'' after winning the third series of the reality series in 2002. Since ''Big Brother'', she has ...
coming second and third respectively. The second aired on 25 September 2010, the contestants were former international athletes John Regis and Katharine Merry, TV presenters
Cheryl Baker Rita Maria Stroud (''née'' Crudgington; born 8 March 1954), known professionally as Cheryl Baker, is an English singer and television presenter. She was a member of 1980s pop group Bucks Fizz, who won the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest and now pe ...
and Sarah Cawood, actresses
Margi Clarke Margi Clarke (born 25 May 1954) is an English actress and radio and television presenter. She had a leading role in the film ''Letter to Brezhnev'' (1985), a low-budget film which had an international release. Later, Clarke played Jackie Dobbs ...
and
Nina Toussaint-White Nina Toussaint-White is an English actress who has acted in '' Casualty,'' ''The Bill, and EastEnders.'' Early life Toussaint-White was raised in Plumstead, south east London, Toussaint-White was educated at Plumstead Manor School and Negus Six ...
, actor Jeremy Edwards, comic actor Rowland Rivron and DJs & TV presenting pair JK and Joel, the former being the first ever celebrity to cross the big balls, as well as the equal fastest celebrity (with James Jordan) to complete the qualifier. JK won with John Regis coming second and Katharine Merry third. Series 4
Another two specials were broadcast at the close of the series. The first episode aired on 9 April 2011 and featured Aggie MacKenzie, Calum Best, Chantelle Houghton, Chico Slimani, Chris Simmons,
Gemma Bissix Gemma Bissix (born 6 June 1983) is an English actress. She has been acting since the age of 9. Her most prominent roles have been in soap operas, as Clare Bates in ''EastEnders'' (1993–1998, 2008) and Clare Devine in '' Hollyoaks'' (2006–20 ...
,
John Fashanu John Fashanu (, born 18 September 1962) is an English television presenter and former professional footballer. In his former career, he was a centre-forward from 1978 until 1995, most notably in an eight-year spell at Wimbledon in which he w ...
, Kelli Young, Phoebe Thomas and Rob Deering. It was won by John Fashanu with Chico in second and Calum Best in third. The second episode aired on 25 April 2011 and was contested by Ali Bastian,
Andy Akinwolere Odunayo Andrew Akinwolere (born 30 November 1982), previously known as Andy Akinwolere, is a British television presenter. Early life Akinwolere was born in Ibadan, Nigeria in 1982, and moved to the United Kingdom with his family when he was ei ...
,
Caroline Faraday Caroline Feraday (born 25 May 1977) is an English television and radio broadcaster currently living and working in Los Angeles. Radio In 1995 at the age of 18, Feraday joined London radio station Capital FM, after studying journalism and earl ...
, Dean Macey, Ian Watkins, James Redmond, Lisa Scott-Lee,
Malandra Burrows Malandra Elizabeth Burrows (born 4 November 1965) is an English actress and singer. She is best known for her long-running role as Kathy Glover in ITV soap opera ''Emmerdale''. Early life Burrows' first name, Malandra, is a portmanteau of her pa ...
,
Martin Offiah Martin Nwokocha Offiah MBE ( (''original pronunciation''), (''commonly used'')); born 29 December 1965) is an English former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer who played in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Offiah was inducted i ...
and Tupele Dorgu. Dean Macey won the show with Ian Watkins finishing as runner-up and Andy Akinwolere in third place, after retiring from the competition because of an injury. Series 5
The fifth series kicked off with another two celebrity editions on 27 August 2011 and 3 September 2011. The first episode featured
Dalton Grant Dalton Grant (born 8 April 1966) is a former high jumper. Athletics career Grant won a total number of four national titles for Great Britain (AAA Championships) in the men's high jump event. His personal best jump is 2.36 metres, achieved ...
,
Ricky Groves Richard Groves (born 23 April 1968) is an English actor best known for playing Garry Hobbs in ''EastEnders'' from 2000–09. Before his role in ''EastEnders'' he appeared in the series '' Burnside'', a spin-off from ''The Bill''. He trained a ...
, Gail Emms, Charlie Stayt, Roxanne Pallett,
Simon Day Simon William Day (born 7 June 1962) is an English comedian and actor known for his roles in the sketch show '' The Fast Show'' and the sitcom ''Grass''. Career Day was born in Blackheath, London, and rose to fame as a stand-up comic, winning ...
, Brian Belo, Camilla Dallerup,
Nicola McLean Nicola June McLean (born 18 September 1981) is an English glamour model; and television and media personality. She was a contestant in '' I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!'' in 2008, and ''Celebrity Big Brother'' in 2012 and again in the ...
and Julie Peasgood. It was won by Dalton Grant, with Ricky Groves in second and Gail Emms in third place. The second episode, aired on 3 September 2011, featured
Marcus Patric Marcus Patric (born Patrick Henry Gosling on 17 August 1979 in Gosport, Hampshire) is an English actor. Career Best known for the role of Ben Davies in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks'', he then starred in its spin-offs ''Hollyoaks: Let L ...
, Peter Duncan, Susie Amy, Chris Rankin,
Donna Fraser Donna Karen Fraser (born 7 November 1972) in Thornton Heath, Croydon is an English former athlete, who mainly competed in the 200 and 400 m. Career An exceptional junior, Fraser won six English Schools 200 m titles (as well ...
, Clare Nasir, Neil Ruddock, Melissa Suffield,
Lady Sovereign Louise Amanda Harman (born 19 December 1985), better known by the stage name Lady Sovereign, is a British rapper, best known for the songs "9 to 5" and "Love Me or Hate Me". Early life and family Lady Sovereign grew up in Chalkhill Estate in ...
and Dom Joly. It was won by Marcus Patric, with Peter Duncan in second place and Susie Amy in third.


''Celebrity Winter Wipeout''

During Winter Wipeout's run, two celebrity specials were aired. The first winter special, aired on 24 March 2012, featured Eddie Edwards, Tony Mortimer, Steven Arnold,
Laura Hamilton Laura Jane Hamilton (born 24 April 1982) is an English television presenter, property expert and entrepreneur. She began her career on children's television, presenting shows such as '' Fun Song Factory'' and on Nickelodeon. She participated in ...
, Derek Redmond, Zoe Tyler,
Connie Fisher Connie Fisher (born 17 June 1983) is a British actress, singer and TV presenter, who won the BBC One talent contest, '' How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?'' On 15 November 2006, she opened to excellent reviews in the part of Maria von Trapp ...
, Charlie Baker, Nicola T and Ellie Crisell as the contestants. Eddie Edwards won the show with Tony Mortimer coming runner-up and Steven Arnold in third place. The second special was aired on 31 March 2012 and featured James Sutton, Ashia Hansen, Andrew Stone,
Kim Tiddy Kimberley Jane Tiddy (born 3 September 1977) is an English actress, known for her roles as PC Honey Harman in the ITV procedural drama ''The Bill'' and Heidi Costello in the Channel 4 soap opera ''Hollyoaks''. Life and career The daughter of J ...
,
Diarmuid Gavin Diarmuid Gavin (born 10 May 1964) is an Irish garden designer and television personality. He has presented gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show on nine occasions from 1995 to 2016, winning a number of medals, including gold in 2011. He has als ...
, Rebecca Ryan,
Sophie Anderton Sophie Louise Balinska-Jundzillova (born 14 May 1977) is an English model and reality television personality. Her modelling career included a campaign for Gossard bras in 1996, and later included appearances for a range of other brands. Sinc ...
, Jarred Christmas,
Peter Shilton Peter Leslie Shilton (born 18 September 1949) is an English former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. His 30-year career included spells at 11 clubs and he has the distinction of playing over 1,000 league games, including in ...
and Terry Christian. James Sutton won the show with Ashia Hansen coming runner-up and Andrew Stone in third place.


Differences from US version

The US version is filmed in California, whereas all international versions including the UK's version are filmed on the same set in Argentina, which can be seen from Google Maps and the UK show format is similar to the US version, '' Wipeout'' (available to UK viewers on Challenge as ''Total Wipeout USA''). Most games are almost identical to the originals, and most games and a few obstacles retain their American names. Differences are relatively minor, but are as follows:


The Qualifier

: The course is almost identical to the US version, albeit with a slightly smaller selection of obstacles to end the course. The main difference is that whereas the US show begins with 24 contestants, ''Total Wipeout'' begins with 20, though in both versions 12 progress to the second round.


The Sweeper

: The UK version used the "classic" version of The Sweeper in series 1 and some episodes in series 2, as well as "The Crusher" and the Sacks variation, in the other episodes of the second series. The UK version reduces the players from 12 to 6 in series 1 and to 5 or 6 (depending on whether the next round is Dizzy Dummies or The Dreadmill), and then continues until one player remains. However, the US version sounds a siren when the "elimination" part of the game is over, and offers a $1,000 bonus prize to the winner. The UK version does neither, with commentary often mocking the fact that players may well be unaware that they need not continue, and that they are putting such effort into something that offers no reward. The round is continued in the UK version to see who is the 'last man or woman standing'. In celebrity editions a player's ranking (first to last to fall) in this round counts towards their points score.


Dizzy Dummies

: The courses and obstacles are identical to the US version, but the format of the round differs. In the US version, the round is played 4 times, with the winner of each round automatically winning a place in the Wipeout Zone, and thus taking no further part in Dizzy Dummies. In the UK, it is played 2 times (3 times in Series 1), with the last person to complete the course eliminated. Thus, the finalists for the UK version are not decided until the last Dizzy Dummies round is complete. This process also means that the UK show has 3 contestants in the Wipeout Zone, rather than the US version's 4.


The Dreadmill

: In the US version, there is only one Dreadmill, but in the UK version, there are two; because of that, the format differs. In the Wrecking Ball variation, the contestants had to stay on as long as they could, but unlike the US version, the contestant that wipes out on the Dreadmill gets eliminated from the competition. In the Doors variation, the UK version doesn't use tennis balls. The pit that contestants wipe out on is always a pool of water, unlike the Single Dreadmill where the pit changes (e.g. pit of flour and foam pieces).


The Wipeout Zone

:The course is almost identical, albeit with the UK only ever using the "waterfall" version of the WaterWall obstacle, never the "Waterjet" version. The US version's 4-part "Launch Pads" section is changed to the "rolling beam", followed by two Launch Pads. Finally, US contestants hear a horn when their time exceeds that of a previous contestant, whereas UK contestants are not told of their opponents' times until after they complete the course. One significant change in the rules to the US version is that if a contestant wipes out on an obstacle in the Zone, they have to go back to the start of that obstacle and re-attempt it until they clear it but in Season 7 the contestants are now allowed to skip the obstacle once they fall of like on ''Total Wipeout'' (since series 2) they swim on to the start of the next obstacle like in the Qualifier. :As a publicly funded broadcaster, large prizes are extremely rare on BBC gameshows. As such, the prize money is relatively low at £10,000, though this is tax-free, as are all UK gameshow prizes. US winners receive $50,000 (approx £30,000).


General

:In presentation, the major difference is the use of one commentator (Hammond), rather than two. Also, contestants are referred to by first name only (unless they win the episode), with much greater use of nicknames. The show retains the gentle mockery of the contestants, although the style of humour is generally drier than the US version. Although the courses are near-identical, the US courses are in California, while the UK version is filmed on the "international" ''Wipeout'' set in Argentina, along with the other non-US versions of the show. The commentary makes great use of this fact, referencing the location constantly, and often gently mocking contestants for having travelled so far to take part. :The slight change to the show's name is to differentiate it from an earlier BBC gameshow named '' Wipeout'', hosted by
Paul Daniels Newton Edward Daniels (6 April 1938 – 17 March 2016), known professionally as Paul Daniels, was an English magician and television presenter. He achieved international fame through his television series ''The Paul Daniels Magic Show'', which ...
, and later
Bob Monkhouse Robert Alan Monkhouse (1 June 1928 – 29 December 2003) was an English comedian, writer and actor. He was the host of television game shows including ''The Golden Shot'', '' Celebrity Squares'', '' Family Fortunes'' and '' ''Wipeout'. Ear ...
.


Episodes


Series 1 (2009)

Series 1 contained eight episodes, airing from 3 January to 21 March 2009, and one ''Total Wipeout'' Awards special, which aired on 4 April 2009.


Series 2 (2009–2010)

Series 2 contained twelve episodes, comprising eight regular episodes, plus four specials including a second ''Total Wipeout'' Awards. The series debuted on 4 July 2009 and concluded on 9 January 2010. The final three episodes of the series, including the first two celebrity specials of the show, were broadcast months after the first episodes because they were shown as part of the BBC's Christmas line-up.


Series 3 (2010)

The first episode of series 3 aired on BBC One on 30 January 2010, with the rest of the series airing from 3 April 2010. The series contained seven regular episodes and five specials. Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram continued as the presenting team. The course was re-designed for the series, including the introduction of a brand new Wipeout Zone.


Series 4 (2011)

Series 4 aired in early 2011 and was similar to series three, with some new obstacles introduced to the course. The first seven episodes of the series aired from 8 January to 19 February, with Episode 8 aired two weeks after Episode 7. Episode 9 aired on 26 March 2011, with the next three episodes following over the next four weeks.


Series 5 (2011–2012)

Series 5 began airing on 27 August 2011 with two celebrity specials, with the rest of the series beginning a year later on 18 August 2012 and running weekly until 13 October. The series saw significant changes to the course, including the replacement of the Crash Mountain round with Double Cross and the Dizzy Dummies round with the Terror-Go-Round. On 29 March 2012, the BBC confirmed that they would axe ''Total Wipeout'' after series 5. The final episode, an awards special which was held back to be broadcast at a later date, aired on 31 December 2012.


''Winter Wipeout''

A winter-themed series, called ''Winter Wipeout'', started on 17 December 2011. The new series, still presented by Richard Hammond and Amanda Byram, introduced a winter-themed course, with new rounds (Ski Lift and Winter Blunderland) and new obstacles (such as the Candy Hoops and Granny's House). The series consisted of eight regular episodes, a Champion of Champions special, an awards special (the 'Snow Globes'), and two celebrity specials. The executive producers for ''Winter Wipeout'' were Andy Rowe for Initial and Mirella Breda for the BBC, and the series producer was Emma Taylor.


''Total Wipeout: Freddie and Paddy Takeover''

In May 2020, it was announced that ''
Top Gear Top Gear may refer to: * "Top gear", the highest gear available in a vehicle's manual transmission Television * ''Top Gear'' (1977 TV series), a British motoring magazine programme * ''Top Gear'' (2002 TV series), a relaunched version of the or ...
'' presenters Freddie Flintoff and
Paddy McGuinness Patrick Joseph McGuinness (born 14 August 1973) is an English actor, comedian and television presenter. He rose to fame with the help of Peter Kay, who invited him to appear in his programmes ''That Peter Kay Thing'', '' Phoenix Nights'' and ''M ...
would host a six-episode best-of series, featuring the presenters narrating classic episodes of the show, called ''Total Wipeout: Freddie and Paddy Takeover''. The first episode aired on 8 August 2020 and received negative reviews.


''Total Wipeout'': ''Big Ball Run''

The show's producers, Endemol UK, launched a social game based on the ''Total Wipeout'' format. Available on Facebook and through a standalone Downloadable Application, the game adopts the use of 'Motion Sensor Technology' available through a
webcam A webcam is a video camera which is designed to record or stream to a computer or computer network. They are primarily used in videotelephony, livestreaming and social media, and security. Webcams can be built-in computer hardware or peripheral ...
, whereby the user negotiates the obstacle course through a variety of movements common with the show.


See also

*'' Sasuke'' (AKA ''Ninja Warrior'') *''
Takeshi's Castle is a Japanese game show that aired between 1986 and 1990 on the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS). It features the Japanese comedian Takeshi Kitano (also known as Beat Takeshi) as a count who owns a castle and sets up difficult physical challeng ...
''


References


External links

*
''Winter Wipeout'' programme website''Total Wipeout: Freddie and Paddy Takeover'' programme website
on '' Challenge'' * {{Wipeout (game show) 2009 British television series debuts 2012 British television series endings 2000s British game shows 2010s British game shows BBC television game shows British television series based on American television series Television series by Endemol Wipeout (Endemol TV series) English-language television shows Television shows filmed in Argentina