New competition format for BBC Two

Iain Stirling is to host a new BBC show to find Britain’s best sand sculptors.

Production on Race Against The Tide – an adaptation of a Canadian format – will take place in Scotland this May, and casting is now under way.

The teams only have six hours to complete their masterpieces – from the moment the tide goes out to when it comes crashing back onto the shore, washing everything away.

Stirling – who is famously the voice of Love Island –  said: ‘Normally, when I’m asked to get beach-ready, it’s for a very different kind of show! But this one is unlike anything I’ve seen before, and filming in Scotland makes it even more special (and will make attending Hibs games much easier).’

This is the second TV project for Stirling to be announced this week. On Monday it was revealed that the comedian would be hosting Iain Stirling’s Roast The Internet for Comedy Central, with a panel of comics and other celebrities trawling the best of social media.

Race Against The Tide  is to be made by production company Tern, where executive producer Harry Bell said: ‘Combining all the elements of sand, sea, rain and wind is the perfect set up for an all Scotland production so bring on the high tide! This show marks a huge sea change for Tern as we continue to build on our mantra of Made in Scotland, Watched by the World.’ 

Catherine Catton, who commissioned the competition format for BBC Two and BBC Scotland, added: ‘Whether you live near a beach or simply take the kids to the sandpit at the local park, the epic sand sculptures in this series are sure to inspire families everywhere to get out in nature and give it a go.’  

Published: 26 Mar 2025