ITV‘s new sporting show The Games kicked off on Monday evening.
And there was no easing the celebrities in slowly, as the boys team were thrown in at the deep end for a white water rafting challenge – while the girls cheered them on in the sidelines.
Contestants Wes Nelson and Max George seemed to be having a ball during the Canoe Slalom challenge – while Coronation Street‘s Colson Smith made a splash as he appeared to tumble out of his boat.
Challenge on: Wes Nelson, Max George and others made a splash on Monday night’s The Games in a white water rafting challenge as the girls team watched on
Support: The girls team, which includes Olivia Attwood, Phoenix Brown, Christine McGuinness and reserve Chloe Burrows cheered on from the sidelines
Kevin Clifton seemed prepared for battle in the challenge, as he gave it his all – before lifting up his paddle with a victorious smile.
In a sweet moment, Ryan Thomas embraced a tired Max after the challenge, grasping his face before giving The Wanted singer a kiss on head.
The boys team were cheered on by the girls, who stood on the sidelines in blue tracksuits with The Games branding.
Game face: Max George was in the zone for his water raft attempt
Tough: While Coronation Street’s Colson Smith have the physically gruelling challenge his all
Man down: Colson seemed to have taken a tumble as he swam alongside his upside-down boat in some snaps
Happy: Kevin Clifton was holding no prisoners as he held up his paddle with a victorious smile
Olivia Attwood, Christine McGuinness, Chloe Burrows, Phoenix Brown, Lucrezia Millarin, Rebecca Sarker and Chelcee Grimes watched the challenge intently, giving words of support.
But while the boys were taking on the harsh waves, the girls team did find a moment to pose for a cheeky selfie.
Alex Scott was also in the sidelines ready to chat to the contestants, as she donned skintight black leggings and a high neck bodysuit to interview the stars.
The boys team, which also includes Harry Potter’s Josh Herdman and reserve contestant Will Njobvu, seemed exhausted after the physically challenging activity.
Gruelling: Reserve contestant Will Njobvu looked as though the tiredness was catching up with him during the challenge
Hugs: In a sweet moment, Ryan Thomas seemingly planted a kiss on Max’s head as the pair enjoyed a hug
(L-R Lucrezia Millarin, Rebecca Sarker, Olivia Attwood, Phoenix Brown, Chelcee Grimes, Christine McGuinness and Chloe Burrows)
Nippy: Colson and Josh Herdman were on the damp side as they emerged from the water after the challenge
The Games will be on nightly this week until Friday 13 April, with the 12 contestants battling it out in a series of challenges.
It comes after weeks of gruelling training, which saw the celebrities be put through their paces in the intense preparation.
All have been pulled out of their comfort zones to be coached as athletes, swimmers and cyclists, to compete in the hope of coming top of the medals table and being crowned the winners.
Safety first: The contestants names were each printed on the back of their coloured life jackets
Speed: Josh held a strong position as he flew down a wave
Tough: Kevin was using his strength as he battled with the rocky water
Hosted live by Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff, The Games also features former professional football player and presenter Chris Kamara as commentator.
Through the sporting challenges, celebrities will rack up points on the medals table as they go head-to-head to reach the top.
As the leader board takes shape with each night, the series will culminate in an exhilarating final showdown in which one male champion and one female champion will be crowned.
The Games continues on Tuesday evening at 9pm on ITV.
Pose: The girls found a minute to pose for a selfie as the boys were competing
Smile! It was snaps all around as they managed to grab some of the boys in the water
Bystanders: They all gave Ryan a cheer as he made his way across the waves
Something different: It’s a far cry from Colson’s day job, as the actor showed off his impressive sporting range
Reporter: Alex Scott was on the sidelines ready to chat to all the contestants afterwards
