A few weeks ago I caught up with Reggie Yates to find out more about the new series of Release The Hounds, what's changed since the pilot and what makes him scared.
OrigInally a pilot on Halloween last year, Release The Hounds, a unique horror gameshow is back on ITV2 this time for a full series. Reggie Yates returns to host the scream out loud horror experience which for the series has upped the ante with even more gruesome and horrifying tests that aim to push contestants to the very edge. It's Reggie's job to be the contestant's communication from outside the forest.
He'll follow their progress throughout the most frightening night of their lives as they take part in a variety of horror themed mental and physical tests that will truly push them to the limit. Their ultimate challenge is to out-run a pack of dogs, trained to guard the cash. If they manage it, the money belongs to them!
For anyone who didn't watch the pilot last Halloween, how would you best describe Release The Hounds?
It's a gameshow that draws inspiration from horror movies, where you're not used to seeing normal people in those intuition. The difference here is that normal people are put into those situations and there's money up for grabs... And a group of hounds running after them! It sounds crazy, but you have to see it...
What did you first make of Release The Hounds?
Do you know what, it's really weird for me, because when I was first approached by Gogglebox Entertainment who make the TV show, my initial reaction was that this was either going to be rubbish or one of the most fun things I've ever done! I went into the meeting and I got really excited by the idea, and then when we shot the pilot we were all giggling.
We shoot it in the middle of the night and we were just trying to wind each other up. It's just fun you know, it's the same feeling you get when you watch horror films with your mates.
If you weren't presenting the show do you think you'd ever take part? And why do you think people choose to go on the show?
Nah! (Laughs) I'm happy behind the scenes and watching other people get scared. I think the best thing for me is to host it, and not be in it.
It's just good fun. I mean, you know... why do people get on rollercoasters? People love scaring themselves and living life right on the edge but you know with this you're going to come out alive but you know you're going to be scared in the process.
Have there been any changes since the pilot, and has it evolved?
Oh massively. Massively. I think the scale has gone up ten fold, the production values are huge and it feels like a much bigger piece now which is really exciting. Every week we've got fantastic new ideas and new challenges that I certainly have never seen on TV before. So there's just a level of originality that you don't get anywhere else.
What's the one thing that gets you scared?
You know what... I'm not great with rats. I can't remember what it was for, but there was an advert on TV with a man and woman in bed and there were lots of rats crawling around - I think it was a charity advert. So yeah that. That's not fun. No thanks. Not for me.
What other gameshows do you enjoy watching?
Everybody loves Deal Or No Deal don't they? I mean that's just the best. That's one of my favourites, I love Deal Or No Deal. I love that, I love Take Me Out, although that's more of a dating show but it's a gameshow. Off the top of my head, they're the two that I really like at the moment.
What is about Release The Hounds that sets it apart from those gameshows and others?
There's a hell of a lot of gameshows on TV but they're all set in a studio. They all have shiny floors and nobody cries! (Laughs).
On Release The Hounds we have people crying, we're on location and it feels like a movie when you're watching it and it is just a complete pleasure to be in. We are literally running people down with a pack of dogs!
If Release The Hounds returns for a second series, what would you say to anyone who was thinking of taking part?
I'd say come on... face your fears and win some money. You'll have a really good laugh in the process and be a little bit scared. Like I said, it's like going on a brilliant rollercoaster - you're absolutely bricking it when you're on it, but you know that when it stops you're gonna laugh and you're going to smile.
What's next for you after Release The Hounds? Any more of those documentaries which were brilliant for BBC Three?
Ah, thanks very much, that means a lot. I'm off to Russia for the next series of those documentaries. There's lots going on at the moment, but really and truly this is one of the things I'm most excited about. Release The Hounds is something that's really different and really fresh and I can't wait for people to see it.
Finally, I have to ask you about BBC Three, which is likely to move online from Auntumn 2015... You've had a few shows on the channel now, so what are your thoughts on that move?
I think it's a shame that there isn't a place on television for that audience. I think it's fantastic that it's movin online because BBC Three isn't a 24 hour channel so it'll be great to get that content all day, but I do think there is a lot to be said about some of the amazing content BBC Three put out on TV.
If they could change their minds, I'd really like them to. I think a lot of great things have come out of BBC Three, and a lot of great talent has come out of it, and a lot of young people as well - most of whom wouldn't have done had BBC Three not been there. So yeah I think it's a shame it's going.
There is a chance that some people may not feel that they're being catered for in the same way (by the BBC) I think there's a chance that might happen, but who am I to speak for every teenager out there? I know tons of teenagers out there that listen to Radio 3 and love BBC Four. My opinion on it is that it's a shame.