Filming has kicked off for the brand-new competitive series Race Against the Tide, a sand sculpture competition set against the backdrop of West Sands Beach in St Andrews.
BAFTA winning comedian and host Iain Stirling keeps a watchful eye on the ever-nearing tide as seven talented teams of amateurs and professionals battle it out in a contest to create spectacular sand sculptures that wow the expert judges. Artist Sadie Clayton and sand sculptor Jamie Wardley will be judging their efforts, choosing a winning sculpture before it is swept away by the tide. Each episode, a team will be leaving the beach and only one will emerge triumphant and be crowned Race Against the Tide champions.
Iain Stirling says: “It’s very rare I get to spend a day on a sunny beach and it’s even rarer when that beach is in Scotland, so I am absolutely buzzing to be in St Andrews to kick off filming for Race Against the Tide. When else do you get a chance to combine crazy impressive sand art and the ever-looming threat of the tide washing it away?”
Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events, says: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Tern and BBC Scotland to bring this feel-good competition to audiences right across the UK. Whether you live near a beach or simply take the kids to the sand pit at the local park, the epic sand sculptures in this series are sure to inspire families everywhere to get out in nature and give it a go.”
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning, BBC Scotland, says: “Against a background of a stunning Scottish seascape, this series will make a splash. Viewers will lap up the combination of artistry, jeopardy and fun - and Iain is the ideal host to steer the sand sculptors and audience through the show’s twists and turns.”
Harry Bell, Executive Producer, Tern, says: “We're pioneering the green reality show. As a Scottish company, it's extra special to be celebrating these extraordinary works of art on the stunning sands of St Andrews. It's about creating a TV splash of epic proportions!”
Meet the Judges
Sadie Clayton
Originally from West Yorkshire, Sadie is a celebrated sculptor who has created pieces all over the world – her art has been showcased at Tate Britain, Tate Modern, The Ivy Granary Brasserie and Cambridge Museum to name a few. Dubbed ‘The Queen of Copper’ for her renowned copper sculptures, Sadie is no stranger to unusual mediums and some of her recent installations even use AI, augmented reality, holograms and robotics. A Course Director at the London College of Contemporary Arts, Sadie is passionate about creative education and hopes the show will inspire audiences artistically.
As a judge, Sadie is hoping for some refreshing new takes on sand sculpting and is looking to see compelling stories come alive through sand.
“I am dead excited for this show! I cannot wait to see the contestant’s unexpected perspectives and innovative ideas. As a sculptor, a creative educator and a new mama whose little one loves the seaside, I am so excited to have these three worlds collide on camera in my happy place, the beach.”
Jamie Wardley
Bradford-born Jamie is a revered sand sculptor who founded sculpting company Sand in Your Eye almost 20 years ago.
An environmental science graduate from Bournemouth University, sustainability and climate consciousness are at the heart of everything Jamie creates. He first discovered the craft after meeting Norwegian sand sculptor Daneel Foyer who trained him in sand sculpture in the fjords of Norway, giving him an artistic way to channel his passion for environmental protection. An expert in his craft, Jamie and his team have created sculptures and installations across the UK for organisations including Aardman and the Imperial War Museum.
As a judge, Jamie is looking for technical prowess that truly wows him – this may be impressive heights or mind-boggling architecture.
“I am so excited to be a part of this show. It is going to be brilliant to see sand sculpture showcased on our shores in such a wonderful part of the world, St Andrews. The professional contestants are some of the world’s best and I want to see them work with the amateurs to make stuff that is absolutely mind blowing. Sand sculpting is a real feat of skill and engineering. I want audiences to look at it and think ‘How is that possibly made on the beach?’’
Race Against the Tide, a six-part series for BBC Two, BBC Scotland and iPlayer, is made by Tern, a Zinc Media Company. The series is Executive Produced by Harry Bell and David Marshall, with Angela Smith as Production Executive and Diane Dunbar as Head of Production. It was commissioned by Catherine Catton, Head of Commissioning, Factual Entertainment and Events and Louise Thornton, Head of Multiplatform Commissioning, BBC Scotland, and Steve Allen, Commissioning Executive, BBC Scotland. The format was created and originally produced by Blue Ant Studios, which also oversees global distribution for the format and all versions of the series.
