This Morning fans were convinced last week that Ben Shephard was entering the I’m A Celeb jungle.

The presenter, 49, shocked fans after he revealed he would not be joining his co-host Cat Deeley on the breakfast show for a few weeks.

Refusing to give away any details he told viewers: ‘I am taking a few weeks away to take some time to do a project for ITV.

But on Monday’s episode, Ben finally revealed the new project he will be fronting and it’s worlds away from his role on the daytime programme. 

The star will be hosting an ‘adrenaline-filled compeтιтion’ which will see a slew of brave contestants embark on a journey to reach the peak of one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountains.

This Morning fans were convinced last week that Ben Shephard was entering the I’m A Celeb jungle but the presenter, 49, has now revealed the real reason for his absence from the ITV show

Speaking from a cabin across the world, he told Alison Hammond and Cat Deeley that he was excited to finally be able to announce his new project – an adventure show called The Summit

The star announced he will be hosting an ‘adrenaline-filled compeтιтion’ which will see a slew of brave contestants embark on a journey to reach the peak of one of New Zealand ‘s most spectacular mountains

In a cross between SAS: Who Dares Wins and Race Across The World, The Summit will follow 14 strangers as they face the daunting challenge of climbing a treacherous mountain in the heart of New Zealand’s south island but to motivate them, they each have the chance to win a share of up to £200,000. 

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Over two weeks the compeтιтors, who include a pole dancing instructor and a carer, will have to navigate the difficult terrain and complete challenges set by a mysterious Mountain’s Keeper who will try to block their path.

Host Ben dialled in from a cabin across the world and told Alison Hammond and Cat that he was excited to finally be able to announce his new project.

He joked with the pair that they weren’t the only ones who had thought he was heading off Down Under and revealed that even his mother was convinced he was heading into the jungle.

Dressed in a denim shirt and a white T-shirt with his glᴀsses on and sat next to a log burning fire, he said: ‘I can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store, it’s amazing.’

Ben then revealed that the contestants will be going up the mountain tomorrow and he would be right here with them every step of the way.

Ben explained the show will follow 14 strangers as they climb a treacherous mountain in the heart of New Zealand but to motivate them, they each have the chance to win a share of up to £200,000

In a cross between SAS: Who Dares Wins, The Summit compeтιтors will have to navigate the difficult terrain and complete challenges set by a mysterious Mountain’s Keeper who will try to block their path

The two hosts seemed shocked and admitted that they’d been convinced he was secretly entering the jungle and a surprise I’m A Celeb contestant.    

Speaking of the series, Ben previously said: ‘This series really has got it all; the contestants are going to be tested in every possible way as they try and take on the mountain. 

‘They’ll need a serious amount of grit, determination and strategy if they want to reach The Summit. 

‘Most people know how much I love exercise and adventure but this is taking it to another level – I’ll be donning my mountain gear to check in with them as they battle up the mountain and do their best to combat the demands of the ominous Mountain’s Keeper. 

‘I can’t wait to see how they get on because anyone who reaches The Summit will have seriously earned every penny of the prize fund.’ 

Paul Mortimer, ITV Director of Reality Commissioning and Acquisitions, said: ‘Not only is this a huge and complex endurance test for the contestants, overseen by the wonderful Ben Shephard, it’s going to be an absolute nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat watch for viewers at home. 

Ben’s announcement comes after ITV axed Ninja Warrior which he presented alongside Chris Kumara and Rochelle Humes after five series due to the success of the BBC reboot of 90s hit Gladiators

‘Filled with cliffhangers, shocks, twists and turns it’s going to keep people guessing from the very first step of the trek to that final summit.’ 

The show is already a hit in Australia and ITV bosses are hoping that they will be able to replicate its success.

Ben’s announcement comes after ITV axed Ninja Warrior after five series.

Bosses are said to have pulled the plug on the fan favourite show, hosted by Ben, Chris Kumara and Rochelle Humes, which first aired in 2015, due to the success of the BBC reboot of 90s hit Gladiators.

Ninja Warrior followed contestants facing a gruelling obstacle course with hair-raising jumps, near impossible climbs and the final challenge of running up an almost vertical ramp.