Bear Grylls pays tribute Holly Willoughby as he admits ‘she’s not had easy journey’ after Netflix collaboration
Bear Grylls has praised co-host Holly Willoughby following the pair’s recent Netflix venture, acknowledging that she’s faced a tough road but proved herself brilliantly.
The survival expert joined forces with the former This Morning presenter to front Celebrity Bear Hunt, a reality competition series that premiered on Netflix in February.
The eight-episode show dropped 12 celebrities into a remote American jungle, where they were pursued by Grylls in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Fans have been eager for news of a follow-up season, and over the weekend, Grylls offered a hopeful update.
During an interview on BBC Radio 2, he said: “God willing, we are bringing Bear Hunt back. And we’re hoping to do it live so it’s going to be a live version, which Netflix have never done before – raw, real, hunt them down!”
Reflecting on his experience working with Willoughby, Grylls was full of admiration.
“Holly was so fun to work with,” he shared. “I’d never had that before working alongside someone like that. She hasn’t had an easy journey, but what a great girl. She did brilliantly, she really did.”
The show was produced by Grylls alongside Delbert Shoopman, Ben Mitchenn, Olly Nash, Saul Fearnley, and Charlie Bennett, under production companies The Natural Studios, Workbee, and Talkback.
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The debut season featured a wide-ranging celebrity lineup that caught viewers’ attention.
Rapper and chef Big Zuu emerged as the winner, while journalist Steph McGovern and singer Una Healy shared second place.
Other contestants included model Lottie Moss, actor Kola Bokinni, comedian Joe Thomas, Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas, ex-rugby player Danny Cipriani, singer Mel B, tennis legend Boris Becker, interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, and model Leomie Anderson.
Despite the show’s popularity and critical success, reports recently surfaced that Netflix might not greenlight a second season unless significant budget cuts are made.
According to The Sun, both Grylls and Willoughby, along with any future celebrity participants, could see pay reductions, and a less expensive filming location is being considered.
“It got excellent reviews and was a brilliant production,” a source told the outlet.
“Bosses were happy with its performance. Yet if it is recommissioned, cuts will 100 per cent be made and this could include talent salaries- both Holly and Bear as well as the celebs.
“All measures are being explored. As to location, think Clacton or Croatia, not Costa Rica.”
The first season was filmed in Costa Rica, with the 2025 cast flying out in May last year.
A production insider previously said: “Signing up Steph and Joe have made this one of the most diverse and unusual celebrity line up ever seen on a show like this.”
“The dozen celebrities come from incredibly different backgrounds – whether it’s ballroom dancing, singing, sport or interior design. They’ll each bring something to the mix.”