The new BBC competition series Race Against the Tide is set to premiere in August, hosted by BAFTA-winning Scottish comedian and Love Island narrator Iain Stirling. The show was filmed on Scotland's coastline at West Sands Beach in St Andrews.
Seven teams compete against the clock
Each episode features seven teams made up of a professional sand sculptor and a complete novice. They have six hours to transform tonnes of sand into spectacular themed creations before the incoming tide destroys their work. The synopsis warns: "With the weight of the sand and the ever-approaching tide, there's always the risk that both nerves and sculptures could collapse under the pressure!"
Iain Stirling brings humour to the beach
Stirling commented: "Audiences are going to love Race Against the Tide! It's got everything you could want from a summer show. Stunning Scottish scenery, incredible creativity, and, of course, lots of sand puns - you can be shore of that." He will monitor the remaining time and signal the halfway point with a yellow flag.
Judges and elimination
Artist and sculptor Sadie Clayton and internationally acclaimed sand sculptor Jamie Wardley will judge the creations before the tide claims them. They evaluate creativity, narrative quality, technical ability, and wow factor. Each episode crowns one team as Sand Champions and eliminates another. After six rounds, one team becomes the inaugural champion.
Diverse contestants
The competing newcomers come from various backgrounds: a leather craftsman, cake decorator, plasterer, stationery designer, carpenter, art teacher, and fine art student.
Race Against the Tide airs on BBC Scotland, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer in August.
