GUERNSEY and Jersey battle it out this evening in a pilot run of a major game show. Simply the Best will be broadcast on national television live from Jersey during July and 15 UK teams will compete in various physical and mental games.

Local teams will do the dry run tonight.

‘We’re going into it in the dark a bit because we’re not sure exactly what we’ll be doing,’ said Andy Bailey, who is one of the local six-man team that includes his younger brother, Alec.

‘I think it’s a mixture between Gladiators and It’s a Knockout, with a fun element. I hope we’ll do well and it would be nice to beat Jersey, but we’ll be taking it with a bit of fun.’

Participants had to audition at Beau Sejour where their fitness and team skills were tested through a series of bleep tests, sit-ups, pull-ups and other activities.

They have had to give their size for costumes to be made for the event, but have no idea what they are.

‘I was quite chuffed to be chosen and am really looking forward to it now,’ said Alec Bailey.

They will spend the day practising and then compete this evening in the show, which is hosted by Phil Tufnell and Kirsty Gallacher. They have all been put up for the night in a hotel.

The actual show is being filmed in July and is based on a French format with the top two teams competing in a grand final.

‘The winners will raise money for a community project in their city.

The arena along St Helier waterfront houses 1,000 spectators and as well as the contestants battling it out each week, the Saturday night shows will feature a host of musical acts, including Lionel Ritchie, Busted and Anastasia.