Image: Ch4 Press
By Jon Donnis
Tempting Fortune is back for a second series, and this time the adventure takes viewers to the lush, sweltering landscapes of Langkawi, Malaysia. Paddy McGuinness returns as host, ready to guide the fortune seekers through intense physical challenges, jaw-dropping temptations and some seriously dramatic plot twists.
Paddy is thrilled to be back, especially in a location as stunning as Langkawi. But as he quickly found out, the tropical heat is no joke. He described the weather as "like being in a steam oven constantly," adding that the extreme humidity makes every step in the jungle a struggle. This brutal environment, he believes, makes the temptations even more alluring.
Unlike the first series, Paddy is more present throughout the fortune seekers' journey, watching them face hardships and waiting to tempt them with bigger, bolder rewards. This hands-on role gave him a front-row seat to all the drama, including a massive plot twist midway through the series. Without giving too much away, Paddy hints that one fortune seeker changes tactics halfway through, shaking up the entire dynamic.
The temptations themselves are more extravagant this time around, with some experiences so over-the-top that even Paddy was impressed. His personal favourite was a private swimming pool hidden in the middle of the jungle, a surreal sight amid the dense foliage. But beyond the spectacle, he was pleased to see the production's commitment to sustainability, with materials repurposed for local communities after filming.
The jungle treks are gruelling, with one route dubbed "leech city" by locals. Paddy was horrified to learn one fortune seeker even found a leech in a very unfortunate place. Despite the discomfort, many participants wrestled with whether to save the prize money or splurge on temptations like a cold pint and cheesy chips at a pop-up British pub. Paddy admitted that in those conditions, he'd probably cave for a shower and clean clothes.
This year's cast is packed with big personalities. Paddy singles out Imani, who stirs up tension early on, and Vicky, a hostage negotiator who may have a few psychological tricks up her sleeve. Nathaniel, a fitness instructor, faces the challenge of maintaining his energy without his usual diet, while older contestants Trish and Ted show surprising resilience. Unsurprisingly, the intense conditions and tough decisions spark plenty of arguments, especially for Sam, who sticks firmly to her no-temptations stance, clashing with those who give in.
Despite the hardships, Paddy has fallen in love with Malaysia, especially the food. He raves about the chicken satay, claiming even the in-flight version on the way over was the best he'd ever had. The experience of immersing himself in a new culture has been a highlight for him, something he credits to his years of travel with Top Gear.
Paddy promises viewers plenty of drama, shocking twists and the kind of moments that will have people talking the next day. Tempting Fortune has it all, fierce battles of will, emotional bonds and the ultimate question of whether to resist or indulge. As Paddy puts it, the second series takes everything to the next level, making it an unmissable watch when it kicks off on Channel 4, Sunday 16 March at 9pm.
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