The Big Fish Off is back!
One of the most successful angling TV shows of all time is back! The fourth series of The Big Fish Off started last Thursday and this year’s programme promises to be even more action-packed than ever.
For series four, co-presenters Ali Hamidi and Dean Macey are joined by celebrities from the world of sport, many of whom have performed at the highest level with some having represented their country in recent years.
As ever, the competitive side will feature strongly in Big Fish Off, with guests vying for bragging rights across a range of disciplines under the watchful and entertaining eyes of Ali and Dean.
Previous series of The Big Fish Off have attracted millions of anglers and non-anglers alike and this one looks set to be no different. Guest for series four include: boxing star Tony Bellew and his coach Dave Coldwell, footballers Jimmy Bullard, Wayne Bridge and Jamie O’Hara, Olympians Linford Christie and Katharine Merry, and rugby star Kyran Bracken.
The first episode will be aired on Thursday, March 29. It saw boxing star Tony Bellew and Dave Coldwell target crucians, tench, and carp at day-ticket waters in Sussex and Surrey. They might be sparring partners in the ring, but the tables are soon turned when they went head to head on the bank.
Former Commonwealth Games gold medal decathlete Dean Macey was delighted to be hosting the latest series.
“Season one put out the feelers, season two set the bar, season three raised the bar, and this one definitely matches it,” he said.
“Filming this year was easy. As usual we had some blinding celebs, and all we had to do was stand back and let it happen. We could have taken them anywhere and produced a good show. Being sports celebrities, they all show mine and Ali’s desperate will to win attitude. No one wants to lose. It makes for some competitive viewing!
“There is a nice balance between episodes this year. One and two are loud and proud, while three and four make for some chilled respectful viewing – a nice reflection of sport and the personalities within it.
“As usual all of the episodes are stand-outs. Jimmy v Jamie at Anglers Paradise was phenomenal, the finale was amazing, and Bellew v Coldwell was brilliant – they were at each other constantly. It reminded me of growing up with my sister!”
“My favourite moment was in episode three, Linford v Katharine. With my background in athletics I grew up watching Linford. He is a legend and to work with him was fantastic. Katharine’s brilliant too. There is a really special moment in this episode too. I won’t say any more, other than it was at Redmire, and the whole crew was choked up!”
Episode Guide
Episode 1 – Tony Bellew v Dave Coldwell, Thursday, March 29, 8pm, ITV4
Boxing star Tony Bellew and his coach Dave Coldwell are usually on the same side, but they team up with presenters Ali Hamidi and Dean Macey to take each other on as they target crucians, tench, and carp, at a couple of day-ticket waters in Sussex and Surrey.
Episode 2 – Jimmy Bullard v Jamie O’Hara, Thursday, April 5, 8pm, ITV4
Team captains Ali Hamidi and Dean Macey are joined by football aces Jimmy Bullard and Jamie O’Hara at Anglers Paradise in Devon. There is plenty of banter and wind-ups as they set about catching some of the colourful and unusual species which live there.
Episode 3 – Linford Christie v Katharine Merry, Thursday, April 12, 8pm, ITV4
Three Olympians feature in this episode, with decathlete Dean Macey and fellow presenter Ali Hamidi joined by Linford Christie and Katharine Merry. They head deep into the Herefordshire countryside to tackle the River Wye, and one of the most famous lakes in carp fishing, Redmire Pool.
Episode 4 – Wayne Bridge v Kyran Bracken, Thursday, April 19, 8pm, ITV4
Football star Wayne Bridge and rugby ace Kyran Bracken, who have both represented their country at their relative sports, head off to Florida with Ali Hamidi and Dean Macey in search of monsters.