Bear Grylls to star in NBC reality show

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UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Oct. 8 (UPI) -- NBC said Monday it has ordered an extreme-adventure reality-competition series starring British TV personality and author Bear Grylls.

"Get Out Alive" is being co-produced by Bear Grylls Ventures and Ben Silverman's multimedia studio, Electus. Set to begin next summer, the eight-episode series will mark the international television star's debut on U.S. network television.

"To meet Bear is to meet a force of nature," Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late-night programming for NBC Entertainment, said in a statement. "He is a magnetic and charismatic talent, whose infectious enthusiasm for adventure inspires people to push themselves beyond their limits. These contestants are in for the ride of their lives!"

"'Get Out Alive' will be raw, tough and unrelenting, but it will also inspire and teach the essentials that one day may just save your life," Grylls said. "The goal is to empower people with the ultimate in both survival and teamwork, and that brings incredible reward ... but first there must be some pain."

Grylls grew up pn the United Kingdom's Isle of Wight, where his late father taught him to climb and sail.

Trained from a young age in martial arts, Grylls went on to spend three years as a soldier in the British Special Forces. Despite a free-fall parachuting accident in Africa. breaking his back in three places, Grylls later became one of the youngest climbers ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

He is perhaps best known for his TV series "Man vs. Wild," known as "Born Survivor" in the United Kingdom. He is also the author of the best-selling book "Mud, Sweat and Tears."