Coronation Street fame Ryan and Adam Thomas have been household names in the British soap world for a long time. Ryan is recognized by his stint as Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street and Adam by his portrayal of Adam Barton in Emmerdale. But their new project is a departure in a whole different direction. The two brothers are now entering, fronting ITV‘s brand-new primetime game show, 99 to Beat.
This surprise change of career wasn’t something they had first planned. The pair confessed that they had always dreamed of working together but had thought it would be on the acting side of things, not presenting. ITV came to them with the suggestion of taking them to a studio where they were shown the show’s format.
After participating in a demo session featuring some games, they soon received confirmation that ITV wanted them to host the show. They described the moment as surreal, expressing excitement about working together and leading a brand-new project for ITV.
A Bonkers Competition With Only One Rule
At its core, 99 to Beat is a high-energy elimination-style competition in which 100 competitors begin, but one competitor is eliminated with each round. This process continues until there is a single contestant left, who wins a £25,000 cash award. The show‘s guiding rule is simple: avoid coming last.
Adam and Ryan said the show was like nothing they‘d ever seen before, with some likening it to Squid Game—without the life-or-death aspects, thank goodness. They saw it as a great fit for family viewing, adding that it lets people at home play along as they watch.
The contestants on the show represent a broad mix of ages and backgrounds, ranging from an 18-year-old boy to contestants in their 70s. The brothers noted that the games’ randomness meant that the contestants could not count on one skill to get them through. Adam noted the inclusion of team games and how this added another level of strategy and randomness to the competition.
Stepping Into New Roles—And Returning to Old Ones
Presenting a flagship ITV game show was a new experience for the Thomas brothers, but they welcomed it. They referred to it as a dream job, believing that the show suits their personalities and sense of fun. As they grew up together, they believed that the natural chemistry between them made presenting easier. Admitting it was slightly beyond their comfort zone, they looked forward to the challenge.
But this isn’t the only big news for the brothers. Ryan will be making a long-awaited return to Coronation Street as Jason Grimshaw. He said the return was mostly down to his on-screen mum, Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw. As reported by Ryan, Sue directly approached him and offered him a return for her departure storyline. He acknowledged that although he hadn’t missed the job itself. He had most definitely missed the people he worked with and was excited to return to the role.
Coronation Street: Will They Be Seen Together?
Meanwhile, Adam spoke of the potential return to Emmerdale as Adam Barton. As there are no plans for his return at present, he said he would consider it if a suitable opportunity arose. For the time being, though, he is enjoying his work. Looking forward, the two brothers also showed enthusiasm about collaborating on an acting venture.
Adam has already gained experience acting in Waterloo Road alongside his son and niece. He said that collaborating with family has been a great experience. Although they are just now focusing on their present careers, they might pursue acting together. How and when it happens is yet to be seen. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street updates!
