Love Island star Iain Stirling is joining forces with the BBC for a new sand sculpting competition series. The six-part show, titled Race Against the Tide, will see seven teams battle to build spectacular sand sculptures before the tide washes them away.
Iain Stirling's Background
The Scottish comedian rose to fame on CBBC, known for his friendship with sidekick Hacker T Dog. He presented shows such as 12 Again, Help! My Supply Teacher's Magic, and The Dog Ate My Homework, the latter earning him a BAFTA nomination in 2014 for best children's presenter.
Stirling is best known for narrating Love Island since 2015, providing light-hearted jokes and puns. He also narrates the American adaptation since 2022. His work on Love Island led to meeting his wife Laura Whitmore, who replaced Caroline Flack as host.
Race Against the Tide Details
On Monday (July 27), the BBC announced Stirling as the face of Race Against the Tide. The series launches in August on BBC Scotland, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer, filmed at West Sands Beach in St Andrews.
The synopsis reads: "Seven teams, each made up of a professional sand sculptor and a complete newbie to the craft, race to create breathtaking sculptures. With just six hours before the tide rolls in, the teams must transform tonnes of sand into spectacular themed creations while battling the clock, the weather and each other."
Stirling keeps contestants entertained with sand puns and waves a yellow flag halfway, then a red flag when ten minutes remain. Judges Sadie Clayton and Jamie Wardley evaluate technical skill, creativity, storytelling, and wow factor. After each challenge, one team becomes Sand Champions, while another is eliminated. After six builds, one team is crowned champions.
Contestants include a leather craftsman, cake decorator, plasterer, stationery designer, carpenter, art teacher, and fine art student.
What the Creators Say
Stirling said: "I'm shore 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, more sand puns than anyone asked for."
BBC Commissioning Editor Ricky Cooper added: "With the phenomenal Iain Stirling overseeing the action, Race Against the Tide is an escapist romp of a competition that delivers epic builds, mind-blowing creativity and - just when you least expect it - gut-wrenching collapses."
