Shaun Docherty, known as Dockers, told viewers to expect a dramatic mix of The Traitors and SAS: Who Dares Wins
Shaun Docherty, known as Dockers, said strategy was just as important as the physical challenge(Image: ITV)
An epic new adventure reality series hosted by Ben Shephard features a former Army Lance Corporal from Hull. Shaun Docherty, 38, known as ‘Dockers’, is one of 14 contestants battling to reach the top of one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountains to claim a share of a potential £200,000 prize in The Summit.
The adrenaline-filled ITV series is billed as “the ultimate test of resilience”. Contestants navigate treacherous terrain, wild conditions and overcome extraordinary challenges – set by the mysterious Mountain’s Keeper – blocking their path to the peak.
But it isn’t just a test of physical strength. Strategy plays a crucial role, and the cast will also have to eliminate their competitors along the way. Who will forge alliances? Who will betray?
We caught up with Dockers ahead of the first episode of The Summit, which airs at 9pm on ITV1 on Tuesday, February 10.
“WIthout giving too much away, it was very, very very hard,” he said. “It’s not even just the physicality of it, it’s the emotional ride that you don’t expect you go on.
“It kind of strips you down. You figure out who you are pretty quickly.”
He added: “I don’t think there was one cast member that could turn around and say, ‘That wasn’t difficult’. Like I say, if I found it hard, everybody’s going to find it hard, because I’m not only physically tough, I’m pretty mentally tough as well.
“I’ve done two tours of Afghanistan…. so that tells you the kind of calibre my brain works at.” Since leaving the Armed Forces, Dockers has worked as a Senior Construction Manager and launched a hair product called Densifol, which he describes as the “fastest-selling hair product brand on TikTok Shop”.
Dockers said he and the other cast members met for the first time on the ground in New Zealand for filming, without any opportunity beforehand for introductions. “Your phone gets taken off you, you have no contact. That’s it – game’s on.”
Although it was “one hell of a ride”, Dockers said he has no regrets going on the show and reckoned it will prove a hit for ITV. “It’s very much like SAS: Who Dares Wins versus The Traitors,” he said.
He added that, unlike The Traitors, you have to not only lie, but form alliances, and not get caught: “You’ve got to be a bit of a rogue – and I think that’s my character.”
Dockers’ main motivation for going on the show was “bragging rights” at the playground for his two children, who he hopes will be proud of him and love watching what he can achieve.
The Summit will air on the following dates at 9pm:
- Tuesday 10th February
- Wednesday 11th February
- Tuesday 17th February
- Wednesday 18th February
- Tuesday 24th February
- Tuesday 3rd March
- Tuesday 10th March
- Tuesday 17th March
The Summit, starts Tuesday 10 at 9pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV & STV Player