BBC Freeze the Fear viewers blast 'questionable' timing of show

The BBC aired its brand new series on Tuesday night hosted by Holly Willoughby and Lee Mack. Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof is a six-part show set to challenge eight celebrities to push their mind and body's to the limit in freezing cold temperatures.

Set in the Italian Alps, famous faces including EastEnders' Tamzin Outhwaite, rapper Professor Green, former Manchester United footballer Patrice Evra and Strictly Come Dancing professional Dianne Buswell will be guided by Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof to help them face their fears and complete a series of daunting tasks, which get more difficult as the weeks go on.

Last night's first episode saw the celebs strip down to their swimwear and jump into a hole in a frozen lake, with the water nearing zero degrees. Despite a few tears and hesitation, each of the eight celebrities managed to successfully complete the challenge.

READ MORE: ITV This Morning viewers make demand to ITV after branding Josie Gibson and Vernon Kay the 'perfect pair '

Next, in order to enter the village where they'll stay for the duration of the show, the contestants had to complete a terrifying forward-facing abseil down a 500 foot icy cliff edge. Despite a number of the group having huge fears of heights, they all managed to succeed and make way to their cosy tents.

Whilst the episode aired, BBC viewers were divided with their opinions on the show, with some praising the series as 'inspiring' whilst others questioned the timing of the show's debut.

"This programme is inspiring and so good. More of this than pantsy game shows - it’s inspiring and so new #leemack @hollywills the hosts are overbearing - the challenges, contestants and #wimhof are the stars," Jackie wrote on Twitter.

"Finally a reality