Paddy McGuinness issues statement after quitting TV show

After two years of presenting the Channel 4 reality competition, the 52-year-old is now “passing the baton on” – but why has he decided to leave?

The show sees 12 strangers trek across hostile jungles and wildernesses with only basic essentials, as they attempt to reach the £300k prize pot.

Along the way, contestants must resist the “temptation” of spending the winning money on luxuries, with the cost deducted from the final total for everyone taking part.

Why has Paddy McGuinness quit Tempting Fortune?

Paddy has shared that although he is “sad” to leave the show, he has had to make “some difficult choices” due to “other commitments”.

In a statement, the BBC Radio 2 star told The Sun: “I am happy to be passing the baton on and the new host is in for a real treat because it’s a great show. I will be sad to leave it, but with other commitments and enjoying more family time, I’ve had to make some difficult choices.”

Following series two which aired in March, Tempting Fortune series three will once again take place in Malaysia, with production expected to start next year.

Previously commenting on his favourite thing about Tempting Fortune, Paddy said: “I think for me, in telly these days, it’s quite brutal now. If a series doesn’t hit the ground running straight away, it is gone.

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“But this series was just a hit show from the off and I was completely struck by how split social media became between those who thought the cast should live in the moment vs those who thought they should save the temptations.

“I just knew that we could ramp up the tension in a second series – and that we have.”

Currently, Channel 4 are yet to announce a new host – who do you think it will be?

A spokesperson for Channel 4 revealed to The Sun: “Paddy has been a brilliant host of Tempting Fortune, bringing his trademark humour to both series.

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“We’re grateful for everything he’s brought to the show, and we totally understand that the filming commitment overseas is a big one and he is unable join us for the next series.”

It’s thought Tempting Fortune series three could be released in late 2026 or early 2027.

Newsquest has approached Channel 4 for comment.