Takeshi's Castle

Takeshi's Castle was originally in Japanese, so we've enlisted the splendid Craig Charles (Robot Wars and Red Dwarf) to explain what's going on. The castle in question is guarded by Count Takeshi and his henchman. They're present to impede the progress of 100 eager contestants who take part in a variety of extremely silly but physically challenging games.

These include climbing slippery walls, running through mud, human Velcro games and carrying buns in their mouths. Once the number is whittled down, the tasks get harder as Takeshi's henchmen up the ante.

The last volunteers face the Emerald Guard in the Final Showdow - and they'll do whatever it takes to protect the big man. Takeshi's Castle is cult viewing and continues a long tradition of shows in which Japanese contestants put up with humiliation to win prizes.

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