Adam Thomas has revealed that ITV bosses bee-lined for him and his brother Ryan to host new prime-time gameshow which will see the duo take over Ant & Dec’s top spot

Adam and Ryan Thomas have always been firm favourites among UK viewers.

But now, it looks as though the Thomas brothers are set to take over the coveted spot of Ant & Dec after ITV handed them their own prime-time gameshow. As yet, a confirmed air date has not been revealed but in an exclusive chat with the Mirror, Adam, 35, spills the beans on his latest TV venture and reveals that ITV bosses wasted no time in securing both him and Ryan to host the show, which is a concept that has never been done in the UK before.

The show is titled 99 To Beat, which sees 100 contestants, guided by Ryan and Adam as they go head to head in a range of challenges. After every game, those who lose must leave the competition until the last remaining contestant bags the top prize. The Waterloo Road actor said: “It’s our first gig together. I don’t think we’ve ever worked together before so to be doing a show like this called 99 To Beat and to be hosting, is definitely a dream come true. We just can’t believe it, it’s been a long time coming and it’s finally happened.”

He added: “And we get to present a new family gameshow for ITV and yeah, it just doesn’t get bigger and better than that. It’s a brand new concept, it’s not been done before over in the UK and we’re just so happy we get to front it. It’s going to be a fun one. It’s one of those gameshows that anyone can do. Even people at home can get involved, it’s that good.”

Adam Thomas revealed him and Ryan were directly approached by ITV to host new gameshow

Following Ryan’s success on Dancing On Ice after being crowned winner and Adam’s successful journey on Strictly Come Dancing, it seems ITV had little hesitation over who they wanted to host the show. And this has now set them on a path to take over the top spot from Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly as the kings of prime-time television.

Adam continued: “They [ITV] presented it to us to be honest with you. They just said we’ve got this brand new game show, this amazing concept we’d like to bring to ITV and would we like to do it. And yeah, the rest is history really.” Speaking about the dynamics between him and his brother, Adam who is part of a campaign for Emmi Café Latte, which looks to celebrate people’s little wins in life, added: “I’m sure it’s going to be a fun one. Me and Ryan are brothers we know each other inside out. We always have that brotherly banter and there’s always that bit of brotherly rivalry as well.”

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The show is already a hit around the world including the Netherlands and Germany. An example of one of the challenges is trying to find a dummy hidden in a vat of jelly or putting on a frozen T-shirt. Producer Katie Manley, boss of production company Initial, said: “What’s brilliant about it is that anyone has a real shot at winning. Whether you’re 18 or 80, players don’t need to be experts in one particular skill. Winning is not important – it’s not coming last that counts! The human stories that sit alongside the gameplay will provide heart, humour and drama throughout.”

ITV entertainment boss Katie Rawcliffe said viewers got to know the players over the eight-hour long episodes, which are likely to air in a weekend slot. “As the contestants compete they also form tight bonds and as they get to know each other, we get to see who plays well, who buckles under the pressure and who has lasting power.”