Paddy McGuinness set to front new show where celebrities learn to tight-rope walk on high-wire

PADDY McGuinness is fronting a new Channel 4 show which sees celebrities learn to tight-rope walk on a terrifying high-wire.

The presenter, 50, will host Don’t Look Down and help six brave stars learn how to cross a distance of 1,000ft, walking on 300ft feet above a London landmark in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.

Paddy said: “I’ve done all kinds of shows, but this is definitely the most nerve racking!

“I’m so excited to be hosting Don’t Look Down, which is undoubtedly going to be the challenge of a lifetime for everyone involved.

“I can’t wait to get cracking and see whether I can lead the team to find the nerve to take on this ridiculously high and very difficult walk.

“They’re not going to be in for an easy ride, but it’s all for such a brilliant cause and I hope we raise loads of money for Stand Up To Cancer.

“I’m now off to practice on the washing line.”

The five part series, produced by South Shore, will film them attending a summer camp in the Austrian Alps, tutored by the world’s experts in high wire walking.

A telly source added: “Casting producers are currently looking for some big names to take on the nail-biting challenge, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

“It’s going to really push the boundaries of what has been done before.”

It comes after two of Paddy’s BBC1 One shows – Catchpoint and I Can See Your Voice – were axed earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the latest series of Top Gear has been canned after co-presenter Freddie Flintoff was seriously injured in a crash during filming last year.

Plus, he has suffered criticism over the rejigged format of A Question Of Sport since taking over as host from Sue Barker in 2021.

Paddy was in Channel 4 comedy Phoenix Nights in 2000, but his big break came as host of ITV dating showe Take Me Out from 2010.