'Rob Brydon is the fundamental problem with Destination X – BBC has made huge mistake'

OPINION

What do you think about when someone mentions The Traitors? Obviously, many iconic things. The castle. The drama. Claudia Winkleman's fringe. It's cemented itself as one of the top BBC shows and has gripped the hearts of the nation. Despite not being back on our screens until 2026, I was desperate to find a replacement to whet my appetite. Then came along Destination X. Labelled as a cross between Race Across the World and The Traitors, it's a brand new reality travel show set in Europe. 13 individuals go on a trip of a lifetime on a blacked-out bus, but nothing is as it seems, as they face challenges and twists and turns.

Sounds familiar, doesn't it? I was keen to see if this would satisfy my Traitors addiction. At the end of each episode, the players must pinpoint an X on a map to guess their location, and the player furthest away is eliminated.

However, four episodes in, and I can safely say that it's a complete waste of time. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. The alliance building, deduction, and multiple clues feel like a primary school game, and I always feel bored within minutes.

The contestants are not the problem, though. I like how the show has given us a mixture of different individuals from across the UK, ranging from a taxi driver to an ultramarathon runner. They are just trying to win a lot of money at the end of the day.

The real issue is the host. Rob Brydon just doesn't work for me. The star is best known for appearing as the lead presenter on Would I Lie To You? and as the beloved Uncle Bryn on BBC's Gavin and Stacey.

I understand he's trying to be a games master, but he doesn't have the aura to host a reality TV show. Claudia Winkleman is the perfect fit for people to look up to. On The Traitors, she blends infectious enthusiasm with a heightened degree of intelligence, and in general, she fits the vibe perfectly.

She's also just relatable and funny. With Rob, I feel like he's playing a type of character, and doesn't come across as human. He wears a lot of fancy jackets, but he's too serious and has no opportunity to be humorous. The BBC made a mistake choosing him as host.

I think Destination X's concept is genius, but for its second season, it needs a new host. The tasks and format also need major polishing. Then it could become a potential rival to The Traitors.

Destination X airs on BBC One at 9pm on Wednesday.