Bear Grylls encountered an aggressive snake while filming Celebrity Bear Hunt (Picture: Rex)
Celebrity Bear Hunt star Bear Grylls became acquainted with an overzealous snake as he filmed the new Netflix survival series.
The Man Vs Wild star, 50, is hunting 12 celebrities – otherwise known as his ‘prey’ – in the depths of the Costa Rican jungle where they are put through their paces in the ultimate game of cat and mouse.
But if they fail to impress Bear, they will face the dreaded Bear Hunt, during which Bear himself will track them down and, if captured, face elimination from the show presented by Holly Willoughby.
However, The Island presenter encountered an obstacle of his own when he encountered a snake in the Bear Pit – nature’s deadliest escape room – which proceeded to bite his shoe.
Ben Mitchell, creative director of Celebrity Bear Hunt’s production company Workerbee said: ‘Bear discovered a snake in the Bear Pit; it was biting his shoe but it wasn’t venomous. All the risks have been assessed but this competition is real.
‘Bear is pretty skilled, but we have responders close by that can jump in. We know where all the anti-venom and hospitals are and we also have ambulances on standby.’
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
The snake was biting Bear’s shoe – although it wasn’t venomous (Picture: Tom Dymond/Netflix)
Ben spoke more broadly about the robust health and safety measures in place including a dedicated team called the Secret Compass who ensured ‘every eventuality was covered.’
He continued: ‘There’s always going to be a risk – we’re in the jungle, there are wild animals, there’s venomous snakes, there’s scorpions, crocodiles. But it’s about managing that risk.
‘A member of the safety team is with each of the cast in the Bear Pit but at a distance, so if they see them getting into a situation they think is going to be dangerous they would step in.’
Over the weekend, it was reported that contestant Steph McGovern was rushed to medics after a terrifying accident in which she swung face-first into a cliff.
Holly presents the new Netflix survival series (Picture: Ray Burmiston/Netflix/PA Wire)
Twelve celebrities are hunted by Bear on the Netflix show (Picture: Tom Dymond/Netflix)
According to The Sun, the former Steph’s Packed Lunch host almost broke her nose and sparked fears she had a slight concussion.
It’s claimed she was also covered in bruises afterwards and struggled to walk, but was able to continue with the reality show after 24 hours.
A source said: ‘Not only was it terrifying for Steph, but for everyone watching – cast, crew and Holly included.
‘Holly was visibly shaken and close to tears, and at one point could be seen covering her face with her hands.’
The accommodation where the contestants stay is not too shabby (Picture: Tom Dymond/Netflix)
The line-up includes the likes of Mel B and Shirley Ballas (Picture: Tom Dymond/Netflix)
It’s said there was a chance Steph may have had to leave on medical grounds – but was monitored for the next 24 hours.
The insider added: ‘But Steph is a trooper – she was determined to stay and luckily for her, she was given the green light to continue.’
The other celebrities competing in Celebrity Bear Hunt are Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Lottie Moss, Danny Cipriani, Leomie Anderson, Boris Becker, Kola Bokinni, Joe Thomas, Zuhair Hassan, Mel B and Shirley Ballas.
Celebrity Bear Hunt premieres on Wednesday February, 5 on Netflix.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.