Paddock-based Continental Sports is flying the flag for Huddersfield in a new live prime time BBC reality show on Saturday nights.
The specialist manufacturer has provided all the gymnastic equipment for Tumble, a new show which tracks the progress of 10 celebrities as they undergo a tough and demanding training routine to become gymnasts.
Tumble got under way last Saturday night and continues over the coming weeks with one celebrity due to be voted off every week.
Continental’s managing director Nick Booth said: “As the UK’s leading manufacturer of gymnastic equipment, we were approached about the show last November by the BBC and British Gymnastics. It’s great to be able to see equipment 'Made in Huddersfield’ on prime time TV.
“Members of the Continental team will be travelling down to Elstree Studios every week to set up the equipment for the next show and ensure safety for the celebrities and their professional partners. It’s a very exciting time for the Huddersfield business.’’
Nick said bespoke equipment made for Tumble has included large safety mats, trampolines, vaults and much more.
“It’s been quite a difficult space to work with as the studio isn’t that big, so it has been quite demanding to make sure we have room to move all the equipment about and still ensure top safety standards.’’
Many of Continental’s 100-strong workforce have been involved in the development and installation of the equipment for the show – and all are watching the BBC programme with interest on Saturday evenings.
As well as the 10 celebrities – which include Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding and former Eastenders actor John Partridge – the show also includes displays from top UK gymnasts including Louis Smith and Beth Tweddle. The show’s panel of judges is led by Olympics gymnastic legend Nadia Comaneci.
Nick said the gymnastics governing body is hoping the new programme will encourage young people to take up the sport and become fitter and healthier, in a similar way to which cycling has enjoyed a recent resurgence.
Continental Sports will celebrate its 50th anniversary of manufacturing at the end of this year.
The show goes out on BBC1 at 6.30pm on Saturday.
