ITV has unveiled the full lineup for its upcoming reality competition series The Summit, with one notable contestant generating significant buzz: Afton McKeith, the former girlfriend of Brooklyn Beckham and daughter of infamous television personality Gillian McKeith.
Adventure Awaits in New Zealand
The new adventure series, hosted by Ben Shephard, is scheduled to premiere next month on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player. The show will feature 14 contestants embarking on a gruelling challenge to climb the epic Alps of New Zealand's South Island, all competing for a substantial cash prize of £200,000.
Afton McKeith's Television Debut
For 24-year-old Afton McKeith, a pageant and fitness coach, this marks her official television debut, following directly in the footsteps of her well-known mother. Gillian McKeith rose to prominence as a nutritionist and gained further notoriety as a contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
Afton is the younger daughter of Gillian and her American lawyer husband, Howard Magaziner. Her older sister, Skylar, is 29. The reality star is not only a coach but also a trained singer and actor, having studied at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
Past Connections to the Beckhams
Afton's participation brings an added layer of public interest due to her past romantic involvement with Brooklyn Beckham, the estranged and headline-making eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham. The pair dated in 2017, prior to Brooklyn's marriage to actress Nicola Peltz.
Recently, Afton spoke out about Brooklyn's very public familial disputes, offering her perspective on his struggles. In an interview with The Sun last week, she described his recent Instagram outburst—where he made serious allegations against his parents and vowed never to speak to them again—as an "honest cry for help."
"A lot has gone on over the years," Afton stated. "This has not just happened suddenly. Brooklyn was telling the truth in his post. It was hard for him growing up." She added that growing up in the relentless spotlight was challenging for him and suggested his parents "could have protected him more" from public criticism.
Fellow Contestants on The Summit
Afton will not be alone in this mountainous challenge. The diverse cast of competitors includes:
- Charlett, a 38-year-old pole fitness instructor.
- Tyra, a 24-year-old scout for England Football.
- Warren Furman, the 53-year-old former Gladiator known as 'Ace' from the original 1996 series, who later retrained as an ordained minister.
Warren's participation adds a nostalgic element for fans of the classic physical competition show, having also returned for the 2008 revival of Gladiators before his career shift.
Afton's Pageant Background
Beyond her coaching and television aspirations, Afton has a background in beauty pageants. Last year, she represented the affluent borough of Kensington and Chelsea in the Miss England competition, having announced her candidacy several months prior to the event.
With her multifaceted career, famous family connections, and now a spot on a major ITV reality adventure, Afton McKeith is poised to capture public attention as The Summit prepares to hit screens next month, promising high-stakes drama against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand's formidable mountains.
