Tempting Fortune series 3 launches tonight on Channel 4

What is Tempting Fortune on Channel 4 about? The reality competition sees 12 strangers take on a gruelling 13-day trek through the Malaysian jungle, with £300,000 at stake — but there is a catch. It’s back for a new series tonight, straight after The Great British Bake Off.

Hosted by comedian Rob Beckett, the new series of Tempting Fortune takes the contestants through the tropical wilderness of Langkawi, Malaysia, where they must survive on basic rations while resisting a series of tempting offers.

The contestants begin the adventure with the chance to share a £300,000 prize pot.

However, every temptation they accept comes with a price — and the money spent is deducted directly from the prize fund.

That means the contestants aren’t simply battling the jungle. They are also battling each other, their own spending habits and the temptation to make their experience more comfortable.

How does Tempting Fortune work?

The basic idea behind Tempting Fortune is simple: the contestants have to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice from the prize money in exchange for comforts, food and experiences along the way.

The temptations can range from familiar food and drink to experiences that money can’t normally buy.

A contestant might be offered something as simple as a favourite snack, while other temptations can involve opportunities to relax, enjoy a luxury or make contact with home.

But every decision has a financial consequence.

The more the contestants spend, the less money there is left to divide between them at the end.

This creates a difficult choice for the group: resist a temptation and protect the prize fund, or spend the money to make the gruelling journey easier.

What’s different about the new series?

The new series introduces a twist from the beginning, with the 12 Fortune Seekers split into two groups.

They must rely on people they have only just met to make decisions that could affect everyone’s potential winnings.

As the trek continues, new twists and difficult choices are designed to test the relationships forming between the contestants, as well as the unwritten agreements they make with one another.

The question throughout the series is whether the contestants will put the interests of the group ahead of their own desires.

Who is hosting Tempting Fortune?

Rob Beckett returns to guide the Fortune Seekers through the challenge.

The comedian follows the contestants as they attempt to complete their 13-day adventure, while the increasingly difficult temptations give them opportunities to spend money from the shared prize pot.

Tempting Fortune therefore combines elements of a survival challenge, reality competition and social experiment, with the contestants’ relationships becoming just as important as their ability to endure the conditions.

Who are the contestants on Tempting Fortune?

The new series features 12 contestants from different backgrounds.

Charlotte, 33, London

Charlotte works as a tourist attraction performer and is known to many as the princess of a famous family attraction in London.

Having grown up in a comfortable environment and currently living with her family, she sees the challenge as an opportunity to become more independent.

She admits that parties, relaxation and experiences could prove difficult temptations to resist.

Cressida, 56, Surrey

Cressida is a PR director and the daughter of the late Earl of Dudley and actress Maureen Swanson.

She has worked in PR and communications, including senior roles in the pharmaceutical sector, and has also worked with children with SEND.

Cressida is now training to become an addictions coach.

Despite her independent streak, she could find herself tempted by a party, silent disco or even an ice cream.

Jack, 22, Nottingham

A medical student, Jack is taking a year away from his university studies and exploring interests including modelling and travel.

He sees the trek as a test of his strength, stamina and decision-making.

Jack enjoys spending money on personal luxuries and looking after his appearance, meaning a spa treatment or food temptation could prove difficult to resist.

Jennie, 47, The Peak District

Jennie is a marketing consultant and mother of two.

Creative by nature, she enjoys drawing and painting, as well as spending time with her family.

Although she has strong long-term willpower, she admits that instant gratification can be difficult to resist.

One particularly tempting prospect could be a spicy margarita served exactly how she likes it.

Kieran, 29, Lancashire

A roofer and new father, Kieran describes himself as someone who can buy first and think later.

He is proud of his humble beginnings but recognises that he can sometimes overspend.

While family is his priority, the prospect of calling his fiancée, eating fast food or freshening up could see him spend some of the prize money.

Lucy, 39, West Wales

Lucy is a support worker and former rugby player.

She recently moved into her first home with her wife and is looking for a new challenge.

Lucy hopes the trek will help rebuild her confidence and self-esteem.

She is normally cautious with money, but the prospect of going without a shower could prove particularly difficult, with comforts including a sleeping mask and orthopaedic pillow potentially tempting her.

Nico, 38, Ipswich

An environmental officer, Nico describes himself as a social chameleon who often puts other people before himself.

He wants to save enough money to buy a home and start a family with his partner.

Although he isn’t a big spender, he admits he would give his last money to help someone else.

Sweet treats, a haircut or beard grooming could nevertheless tempt him to spend.

Sam, 47, London

Sam is a former diplomat who has travelled extensively during his career.

He is now embarking on a new chapter and working through his bucket list.

Sam says he enjoys the finer things in life but doesn’t normally spend beyond his means.

However, a cheese board and wine, jet skiing or even a chip butty could test his resolve in the jungle.

Sarah, 56, Greater Manchester

A dog groomer, Sarah spent five years caring for her mother before her death.

She now sees Tempting Fortune as an opportunity to embark on a new adventure.

Sarah was taught to be careful with money and considers herself a bargain hunter, but she enjoys treating herself.

A massage, passion fruit martini or air conditioning could all prove difficult to turn down.

Shaf, 28, West Yorkshire

Shaf works as a train conductor but has ambitions of becoming an actor.

He is extremely careful with money and managed to save enough to buy his first home in his twenties.

His ambition is to preserve as much of the £300,000 prize as possible, with new furniture for his home in mind.

However, burgers, tea and fizzy drinks could test his restraint.

Tierney, 25, Newcastle

A retail assistant, Tierney is described as confident, independent and resilient.

She has caring responsibilities within her family and wants to be able to provide more support for her mum and nan.

Despite being afraid of creepy crawlies, she is prepared to take on the jungle.

Tierney admits to being an impulsive spender, with food, coffee and access to her mobile phone among the things that could tempt her to part with the prize money.

Yvonne, 43, Coventry

Yvonne is a teacher and parent of two.

She moved to the UK 20 years ago and has encouraged her children to be resilient.

Yvonne believes she has strong self-discipline and doesn’t usually treat herself unless she thinks she needs to.

Designer goods don’t interest her, but she admits that good food and a comfortable bed could put her willpower to the test.

When is Tempting Fortune on Channel 4?

Tempting Fortune starts on Channel 4 on Tuesday, September 22 at 9.30pm.

The new series follows 12 strangers as they attempt to complete their 13-day Malaysian jungle trek while protecting as much of the £300,000 prize fund as possible.

With every temptation carrying a price, the contestants will have to decide whether a moment of comfort is worth reducing their potential winnings — and whether they can trust the people around them to make the same choice.

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