Holly Willoughby's debut series of Bear Hunt had initially been a huge success, but now a dive in ratings for the Netflix show has threatened its future forever. According to a source, she and co-host Bear Grylls face a paycut if it does return to the airwaves, while a cheaper filming location is another of the options being looked at.
The competition show is currently set in the heart of a remote Costa Rican jungle, with 12 celebrities available as potential prey for Bear - and everyone from ex-Spice Girl Mel B to disgraced tennis champ Boris Becker and Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas took part in the last filming sessions. Despite securing top talent for the show, it is believed that if it returns, there may be fewer celebrities present in a bid to drastically reduce the budget. After several tense meetings, it is believed that Netflix producers are still on the fence about whether to recommission it for a second series.
A source published in The Sun claimed: "It got excellent reviews and was a brilliant production. 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."
The source warned: "All measures are being explored. As to location, think Clacton or Croatia, not Costa Rica.”
The show has had everyone talking since it first aired in February, with one dramatic moment when Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen fell unconscious and had to be revived on the beach making for heart-pounding TV.
The celebrity interior designer became tangled in ropes while rafting, causing him to pass out, and provoking fears for his welfare.
Meanwhile, 2025 is the first year in more than two decades when Holly hasn't had a job lined up on ITV.
She spent almost 15 years on This Morning before leaving soon after former co-host Phillip Schofield did - and while she did return to Dancing on Ice, the show is now set to be axed after 19 years.
It will not return for 2026 and there are no plans for its revival anytime soon, while Holly also turned down a lucrative position on YouBet, meaning the endangered Netflix show is currently her main option.
