Ultimate Hell Week: The Professionals has returned with a brand new crew of celebrities ready to push themselves to the limit.
Viewers gathered around their TV, in their warm, cosy homes to watch these people be put through their paces.
The likes of Pamela Uba, Bláthnaid Treacy and Tadhg Fleming followed Ray Goggins every demand in what Twitter has branded the “best TV show in the country”.
However, the challenge wasn’t for everyone as one contestant chose to leave the series early.
The group of celebs began by having to swim from a pier to a boat. That was followed by a sprint through the camp where they were staying before the final challenge of the episode proved too much for one contestant.
Ireland AM reporter Paul Ryder was paired up with Paralympic runner Michael McKillop and told to enter a room full of gas to retrieve three items.
However, Paul was forced to pull out of the competition at this point.
“Something in me said ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do this’ because I think I would have fallen to pieces. I felt upset and I felt like I was letting myself down,” he confessed.
He then took to social media to recount his brief time on the series: “I went home first. Should I have continued on? Probably, yes! Am I proud? Too right!
“I took on a massive challenge in life and in my short period in hell I learned something about myself, I made friends for life and am stronger now knowing I was one of 118 recruits in 5 seasons to be able to do something wildly difficult but untimely unbelievable.
“Jamie, Jen, Jane, MK, Ollie, Anne and everyone at motive. Wow you are crazy and equally talented and caring and I can’t thank you enough.
“The 19 other recruits who are still yet to face some horrid situations are inimitable humans and I can’t wait to watch them on this journey and remember…don’t f**k it up.”
Viewers took to social media to praise the first episode.
Watching #UltimateHellWeek on @RTEOne. This is one of the best TV shows in the country. These Irish Rangers knock the SAS lads in the UK version out of the park. No messing around or being nice, proper stuff ! Love watching it, from the comfort of my bed this year 🤣
— Jake Carter (@jakecartermusic) September 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/gingersnaps82/status/1567628769707319300
I wouldn't sign up for Ultimate Hell week for all the tea in China! I'm anxious just watching this!
#hellweek #UltimateHellWeek— Caroline Nic Aodha (@Caramcq) September 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/pippadoyle92/status/1567627542147784704
#UltimateHellWeek is just great TV! Something to look forward to every Wednesday night for the next few weeks
— Morgan O'Callaghan (@MorgantheBriar) September 7, 2022
Others praised Paul Ryder.
There are moments in life where you look at your friends and think “wow”!! I could not be more proud of my fabulous friend @ItsPaulRyder #UltimateHellWeek @RTEOne looked like the title states #hell! Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be one of life’s great challenges 👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/0jsEtD5ADk
— Helena O'Brien 🇺🇦 (@helenaobrien086) September 8, 2022
I'm extremely proud of @ItsPaulRyder 🥹🥰 I love his attitude 👌🏻✨ Paul is amazing at everything he sets his mind to 🙌🏻 #UltimateHellWeek #HellWeek
— Roslyn ✨ (@RoslynMoore96) September 7, 2022
3 things I learned from watching #UltimateHellWeek
•Irish Men are hot af 😍
•The Irish accent is hot af
•The DS’ are brutal af
Congrats @ItsPaulRyder you did amazing ❤️— Josh-Jayy Rivera (@JoshJayyRivera) September 8, 2022
Biggest well done to @ItsPaulRyder your are amazing and should be soo proud 👏❤️#UltimateHellWeek
— Pamela Ashley Uba (@Pamela_Uba) September 7, 2022
Ultimate Hell Week continues on Wednesday on RTÉ One at 9.35pm
