ITV’s Squid Game-style series branded ‘dangerous’ by contestant after hospital scare

A new ITV competition has been branded ‘dangerous’ by one of the contestants (Picture: Getty Images)

A contestant who took part in a new ITV competition has branded it ‘dangerous’ after three people were taken to hospital during filming.

99 To Beat is a newSquid Game-esque reality show, which sees 100 contestants whittled down to one across various challenges.

It was previously claimed that three of the players reportedly needed hospital care after one task saw them jump into piles of hay to find chopsticks.

And now, one of the contestants, Amir Jardan, has claimed he was left ‘struggling to breathe’ and fears suffering from long term health issues as a result.

Over a week of filming, the 38-year-old took part in 13 challenges with his 99 competitors, but needed medical attention on the second day.

He claimed they were asked to jump from a ‘considerable height’ into the haystack to find chopsticks, however, a ‘cloud of dust’ left people struggling.

Metro however understands that the experienced health and safety advisers on the programme do not classify this as a high risk or dangerous programme, and that contributors did not have to jump the 4 to 5ft distance into the haystack.

It’s been likened to Squid Game (Picture: No Ju-han/Netflix)

The fire alarm engineer from Dorset told The Sun: ‘I was so excited to be taking part in a fun TV show, never in a million years did I think I’d nearly lose my life.

‘It’s a dangerous show and it caused my fiancé – who was heavily pregnant at the time – additional stress.’

Talking about the task, he went on: ‘I managed to escape but I couldn’t breathe because I could feel my throat closing up.

‘After that, the whole thing was a blur, but I remember I was put into the recovery position as the ambulance was called.

‘I didn’t think I’d see our children again. I spent six hours waiting in the hospital to get checked over.

‘I haven’t been the same since.’

He claimed to now be suffering from breathing difficulty, saying he struggles sleeping because ‘my breathing has been left in tatters’.

He added that his memory ‘hasn’t been great since’ and he gets his lung health checked every six months at hospital, having suffered from ‘horrendous’ dust allergy flare ups.

‘I’m concerned if there’s been any long-term damage to my health,’ the dad-of-three added.

Amir continued filming after the incident and said he has ‘bonded’ with some of the players over the ‘traumatic event’.

The eight-part series is set to arrive on ITV1 this year, and is hosted by brothers and former soap stars Ryan and Adam Thomas.

99 To Beat will be fronted by brothers Adam and Ryan Thomas (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images for FENIX Manchester)

The release states: ’99 to Beat is the game show that anyone can win, but there’s one rule players must follow if they’re to be in with a chance of walking away with the cash prize – Don’t. Come. Last.

‘As contestants battle it out against each other, each round will see the number of players whittled down until one person takes the top prize.’

Following an Amir’s claims, a spokesperson for 99 To Beat said: ‘A small number of contestants received medical attention after having an adverse reaction to hay while participating in a game.

Contributor welfare remains our top priority, and this production was assessed and monitored in line with our robust health and safety processes and in consultation with external health and safety advisors.’

Metro has approached Banijay UK and ITV for comment.

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