The Summit on Channel 9 – After enduring a 15-day trek amid the pristine alps of New Zealand’s South Island, Charlotte, Simmone and Mat have triumphed among 15 everyday Aussies who embarked on the gruelling challenge of The Summit.
Navigating perilous terrain, heart-racing obstacles, and the watchful eye of the Mountain’s Keeper, the trio persevered in their quest to conquer the mountain and claim their share of the life-changing one million dollar prize.
In a dramatic turn of events, exhausted hikers Mat, Simmone, Charlotte, and Trisha realised they had reached the wrong summit. With only 24 hours left to reach the correct one, they faced losing over $580,000 in prize money if they failed to reach it by 12 pm the next day.
Impeding their progress to the summit were two deadly-deep crevasses they had to cross, along with a note instructing them to leave the final hiker behind.
Mat had promised to take Simmone and Charlotte to the summit, so he convinced the group to change the order of crossing, ultimately leaving Trisha and her $53,000 behind.
Navigating treacherous terrain, the trio finally reached the summit and celebrated their hard-earned victory. However, this was short-lived. The Mountain’s Keeper revealed one final twist: Charlotte was given the power to decide the distribution of the prize pot – whether to share it or claim it all for herself.
On the valley floor, the winning hikers were met by those they had eliminated. The group was divided upon hearing of Charlotte’s dilemma. After intense deliberation, Charlotte made a big decision: she chose to give $100,000 each to Simmone and Mat, reserving a sum of $336,000 for herself.
Charlotte, 35 from New South Wales, said:
“I feel I’ve shown myself and those watching that ability truly comes from the heart. That with determination, humour and a few tears, anything is possible. I took the first step towards that peak with the incredible support of my family, friends and partner, and also the support of those on the mountain who believed in me, Olympia, Lochie, Rosi, Mat and Taylor.
“The prize money will allow me to create security for myself and my family, something I didn’t think would ever be possible as a public healthcare worker. Representation matters. This was for all the nubs out there. You can do it!
“My truest hope is that anyone who has questioned their ability, physical or otherwise, may allow this experience to be a kernel of hope that they too can do anything. Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, we can all put one foot in front of the other and persevere.”
Mat, 48 from Queensland, said:
“Reaching the summit was amazing. And to do it with the people I’d committed to, getting there with was worth every bit of heartache and struggle.”
Simmone, 51, from New South Wales, added:
“I went in solely for the money for a better life for my son and I, but what I got was a reignited fire deep in my soul. I’ll be forever grateful that The Summit handed me the match.”
The Summit is an original concept developed by Endemol Shine Australia (a Banijay Company) and Nine.
The Summit on Channel 9 and 9Now – all episodes available
About the Show
Brimming with fresh twists, a dynamic cast and an even more challenging location, The Summit is back bigger than ever after redefining large-scale adventure in 2023.
Think you know the drill? Think again. Back guiding us through these heart-pounding trials and daring escapades is Australian actor Jai Courtney.
Everyone faces their own mountain to climb. Among everyday heroes, who will conquer the summit? Will Lochie the dairy farmer seize victory? Can David, a theatre director, and Theo, a stay-at-home dad, craft compelling strategies?
Will Mat Rogers, a sporting legend and seasoned Australian Survivor, brave the wilderness once more for victory? Will the quick thinking of actors Olympia Valance and Simmone Jade Mackinnon suffice? And can Tiffani Wood, a former pop star turned devoted mother, rise to success?
Jai Courtney says:
“Last year we were just getting started. This year in The Summit we are going sky high. What the trekkers put themselves through, and the effect it has on them as individuals, is truly special to witness. When humans are pushed to their limits and beyond, remarkable things happen.”
Our trekkers will once more be stripped of their creature comforts, plunging into the awe-inspiring landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Against this backdrop of natural marvels, a series of jaw-dropping challenges awaits, designed to test their courage and morals, and push their physical limits to breaking point.
With their backpacks containing an equal share of one million dollars, the group must reach the peak of a distant mountain in just 15 days to win the cash they’re carrying.
Get set for a whirlwind of drama, obstacles and strategic betrayal as they vie for the ultimate prize. Be careful who you trust.
This season’s trekkers are:
Join us for an extraordinary expedition where unexpected alliances will form, shocking betrayals will play out, and all 14 mountain trekkers will vie for victory.
As they race to the pinnacle, who will survive to claim the prize money? Welcome to The Summit, a blockbuster action-adventure filled with cliff-hangers, where reaching the top is just the beginning.
Since the groundbreaking premiere of The Summit in 2023, the format co-developed between Nine and ESA has been sold to several European territories, including CBS in the U.S.A, with its premiere set for later this year.
The Summit is a 9Network and Endemol Shine Australia (A Banijay company) original series, produced by Endemol Shine Australia.
Media Release – Nine
The Summit on Channel 9
TV Central Nine content HERE