If you haven’t watched Tempting Fortune on Channel 4 before, where have you been? Last year’s series was one of the most intriguing, fascinating scream-at-your-telly reality shows of the year. And now it’s back!
This year, Rob Beckett has taken over from Paddy McGuinness, and one thing’s for sure: we can expect the same psychological gameplay, survival instincts, collective sacrifice, teamwork, manipulation, and selfishness we have witnessed in the first two series.
Twelve strangers embark on an arduous thirteen-day adventure through the hostile tropics of Langkawi, Malaysia, as Rob Beckett follows and guides a new set of Fortune Seekers across the jungle. Stripped of home comforts and surviving on basic rations, the contestants start their trek with a chance to win a share of the £300,000 prize pot. Along the way, they face a series of tantalising temptations, from familiar favourites from home to unforgettable money-can’t-buy experiences. But each one comes with an eye-watering price tag, and every pound spent is taken straight out of the shared prize fund. Will they resist their own desires for the good of the group, or indulge and put number one first?
This year, the Fortune Seekers split into two groups from the start, forced to trust people they barely know not to spend money, while new twists and tough decisions put newfound friendships, unwritten pacts, and willpower to the test.
So without further delay, let’s meet the contestants taking part in this year’s gruelling trek full of tantalising temptations.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Charlotte
33, London
Tourist Attraction Performer
Known to many as the princess of a famous family attraction in London, Charlotte is swapping the acting life for adventure. Having relied on her family in the past and living with them now, Charlotte is ready to make a change and become more independent.
Not afraid to admit she has had a comfortable upbringing, Charlotte wants to prove she can take on this arduous challenge. But any temporary delight that enhances her experience or becomes a lasting memory might be a temptation Charlotte cannot resist, especially if it involves a party or complete relaxation.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Cressida
56, Surrey
PR Director
Daughter of the late Earl of Dudley and actress Maureen Swanson, and sister of the current Earl, Lady Cressida has always had an adventurous streak. Cressida says the menopause left her newly fearful of heat and heights, so she’s taking on the jungle to confront them head on.
Cressida built her career in PR and communications, including senior roles in pharmaceuticals, before working with children with SEND. She’s now training to become an addictions coach.
The youngest of five daughters, Cressida is used to the princess treatment. But raising a daughter and son on her own made her independent and financially responsible. Even so, a good party, a silent disco, or an ice cream might tempt her to spend.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Jack
22, Nottingham
Medical Student
Taking a year out of his medical studies at university, Jack is exploring other interests, including modelling and travelling. He feels this is the perfect adventure to test his strength, stamina, and decision-making. Having suffered from a heart condition three years ago that saw Jack’s ordinary life stripped away, he has found a new lease of life and harnesses any adrenaline-inducing opportunity.
Jack loves to spend his money on holistic luxuries and keeping his appearance well-groomed. Therefore, any spa treatment in the jungle would be extremely hard for him to say ‘no’ to. Any chance to enjoy himself with an experience or a food temptation might see Jack easily dip into the £300k prize fund.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Jennie
47, The Peak District
Marketing Consultant
Marketer and mother of two, Jennie, has had her fair share of trials and tribulations. Now she’s in a role where she can put her creativity and flair for thinking outside the box to good use. Not one to sit still for too long, she enjoys drawing, painting and anything creative to help her relax, as well as weekly family film nights.
Jennie has strong long-term willpower. However, wanting to enjoy life to the fullest means she struggles to decline instant gratification. If she’s ever presented with a spicy margarita with no ice, no straw and the perfect dusting of spice and salt, Jennie could spend thousands for a sip during this adventure.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Kieran
29, Lancashire
Roofer
Kieran likes to live a champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget and is very proud of his humble beginnings. Someone who buys first and thinks later, the roofer recognises he can overspend at times. But now that he’s a dad, will a baby just a few weeks old help him tame his extreme spending habits?
Family is Kieran’s priority, so he wouldn’t flinch at spending money on a call home to his fiancée. Ready for a challenge of discipline and control, Kieran might end up spending the prize pot if it means he can freshen up or eat fast food while on this trek.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Lucy
39, West Wales
Support Worker
A new chapter starts for Lucy as she and her wife recently moved into their first home, hoping it’s a place their family will grow. Now that her daughter is 17, Lucy is ready to challenge herself in new ways. Lucy struggles with her confidence at times and hopes to regain her self-esteem by completing this trek across the Malaysian jungle.
An ex-rugby player, Lucy has a competitive streak and will identify any opportunity to get her ahead in the competition. Typically, she’s a cautious spender. But the idea of not showering worries her, and familiar essentials like a sleeping mask and an orthopaedic pillow might tempt Lucy to fork out on comforts.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Nico
38, Ipswich
Environmental Officer
A self-professed social chameleon, Nico tends to put others before himself. Family is the priority, and the motivation to buy a home and start a family with his partner of five years drives Nico to challenge himself in this contest.
Though Nico isn’t a big spender, he confesses he would give the last of his money to help someone else. But if he were offered sweet treats or a chance to get his hair cut and beard groomed while in the jungle, would Nico dare to indulge?
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Sam
47, London
Former Diplomat
Sam has seen the world twice over as an international diplomat but says he is ready to swap diplomatic receptions for the Malaysian jungle. Sam is starting a new chapter in his life, ticking off his bucket list. Since a serious health scare, Sam views life, money and pleasures from a fresh perspective.
He’s worked hard for his lifestyle, admitting he likes the finer things in life but would never spend beyond his means. Could a £300,000 prize pot change his habits? A cheese board and a flight of wine, a thrill-seeking jet-skiing experience, or simply a chip butty might encourage Sam to spend big money on his favourite pleasures.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Sarah
56, Greater Manchester
Dog Groomer
Sarah has been her mum’s primary caregiver for the past five years. Since her mum’s passing, Sarah says she feels ready to go on an adventure and to say ‘yes’ to any opportunity no matter how unconventional.
Growing up, Sarah was taught to be careful with her money and still takes that approach to spending – she loves a bargain! Sarah enjoys pampering herself and loves splurging on a new wardrobe for her furry friends. Therefore, a massage, a passion fruit martini or air con will all be tricky for Sarah to resist.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Shaf
28, West Yorkshire
Train Conductor
Big dreamer Shaf has always wanted a career in acting, but his confidence means he isn’t prepared for the spotlight just yet. So, Shaf is heading halfway across the world to take himself out of his comfort zone.
Extremely frugal with his money, Shaf saved and bought his first home in his twenties. With an eye for design, he’s keen to save as much of the prize pot to decorate his home with new furniture. Though burgers, tea or a fizzy soft drink may be too irresistible not to spend.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Tierney
25, Newcastle
Retail Assistant
A passion for fashion, Tierney’s approach to life has been shaped by her caring responsibilities to her family. Confident, independent, and resilient, she is highly attuned to people’s vibes, and she always trusts her instincts.
With the ambition to help her mum and nan out more, Tierney is embarking on this arduous adventure, even though creepy crawlies are a genuine fear. She believes life is for living and admits she’s an impulsive spender. A cheese, bean and sausage melt, a vanilla latte, or a chance to use her mobile phone might mean the spending won’t stop in the jungle.
Tempting Fortune Series 3 (Channel 4)
Yvonne
43, Coventry
Teacher
A teacher and parent of two, Yvonne instils resilience in her children after making a life-changing move to the UK 20 years ago. Yvonne finds it much easier to work with kids than adults and wants to use this adventure to test her tolerance for being around different grownups.
Yvonne has strong self-discipline and restraint, treating herself only when she thinks she needs it. As a result, designer items have never appealed to her. She is confident that she can resist temptations but might struggle if good food and a cosy bed are on offer.
Stream or watch Tempting Fortune on Channel 4 from Tuesday 22 September
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