ITV will be airing a 90-minute celebrity cycling special ahead of this year’s Soccer Aid.
On Yer Bike will be a prime-time show presented by Andrew Flintoff and Sir Bradley Wiggins.
The England versus the World format will feature 8 celebrities taking on 3 cycling legs in Yorkshire.
“This show has it has it all – it’s challenging, it’s competitive and it’s all for a good cause. Seeing celebrities in Lycra tackling the enormous hills of the Yorkshire Dales promises to be a real treat for everyone watching from their sofas!” said Flintoff.
The co-production between Crackit Productions and Initial TV, in association with Soccer Aid, is to raise money and awareness for UNICEF.
The England team comprises of Coronation Street actress Sair Khan, actor Barney Walsh, Good Morning Britain’s Alex Beresford and Emmerdale’s Rebecca Sarker. The World team will feature comedian Zoe Lyons, actor Joe McFadden, Love Island’s Maura Higgins and singer Keith Duffy.
“I’m thrilled ITV have commissioned a show around cycling, it’s great to be able to share my passion with so many people. It’s also a great opportunity to show off the glorious Yorkshire Dales – a tough route I’ve cycled many times,” added Sir Bradley Wiggins.
“I can’t wait to put the celebrities through their paces and see who will shine and who needs a little more practice in the saddle”.
On Yer Bike has been commissioned by Head of Entertainment Katie Rawcliffe and Kevin O’Brien, Commissioning Editor Entertainment.
Executive Producers for Crackit Productions are Jon Connerty and Elaine Hackett and Katy Manley for Initial, who also produce ITV’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF.
“Having been cooped up for so long, we were desperate to launch this format which really celebrates the personal freedom and mental and physical benefits that pedal power brings,” said Elaine Hackett, CEO, Crackit Productions.
“Seeing how our celebrity teams cope with life in the saddle promises to be challenging and possibly a wee bit chaffing!”
Steven Waugh, Interim Executive Director at the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), stated:
“Everyone at UNICEF is grateful to ITV for commissioning this exciting new TV show to help children around the world. This year, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has its biggest goal ever as the Covid crisis is making life for children in the world’s poorest countries even harder – the support of the ITV viewers is vital and every pound we raise from the show is another strike against the pandemic. It’s us against Covid for every child, everywhere.”
Soccer Aid for UNICEF will take place on Saturday 4 September 2021 in Manchester.
