EXCLUSIVESwimming for survival! Adventurer Bear Grylls, 49, take a dip in the sea in Costa Rica as he films for upcoming Netflix endurance show Bear Hunt alongside Holly Willoughby
Bear Grylls made a dash for the water to cool off from the humid Costa Rican heat yesterday as filming gets underway for his latest Netflix show.
The former SAS trooper ran across the shore before taking a dive as he kicked back for the afternoon at his luxury boutique hotel.
Grylls, 49, is currently in the Central American country alongside Holly Willoughby to present Bear Hunt - a £10 million show that will see British celebrities go face-to-face in the jungle.
The gruelling endurance reality competition programme is set to star former Spice Girl Mel B, Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas and rugby legend Danny Cipriani among others.
Grylls and Willoughby, 43, have been in Costa Rica since late April, with shamed former Wimbledon champ Boris Becker, who is rumoured to be on the show, spotted taking a dip on the same beach.
The action man wore black shorts yesterday as swam out beyond moored boats with his son Jesse, 20, who is accompanying him on the trip. They were joined by a third, unknown man.
![Shirtless Bear Grylls, 49, went for a dip in a sea in Costa Rica as he filmed upcoming Netflix adventure-reality programme Bear Hunt on Thursday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/08/84993669-13429291-image-a-72_1715931672212.jpg)
Shirtless Bear Grylls, 49, went for a dip in a sea in Costa Rica as he filmed upcoming Netflix adventure-reality programme Bear Hunt on Thursday
![The star is currently living in a luxury hotel as filming gets underway for his latest £10 million Netflix project - Bear Hunt](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/08/84993675-13429291-image-a-73_1715931684292.jpg)
The star is currently living in a luxury hotel as filming gets underway for his latest £10 million Netflix project - Bear Hunt
![The former SAS trooper and survival expert is in the North American country with former This Morning star Holly Willoughby](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/08/84993677-13429291-image-a-74_1715931695255.jpg)
The former SAS trooper and survival expert is in the North American country with former This Morning star Holly Willoughby
Grylls flashed his toned figure as he ran down the beach before taking a dip for about 20 minutes. The trio were spotted swimming as they swam away from the shore. They later returned to their hotel that can cost up to £531 a night.
It is unknown exactly how many of the 10 rumoured contestants have touched down in the country that borders Nicaragua and Panama.
Holly, 41, is also thought to be staying at the picturesque hotel, according to locals, as she embarks on her first major presenting gig after quitting This Morning in the wake of the Phillip Schofield scandal.
Scary Spice Mel B, former tennis pro Boris Becker and Kate Moss’ younger sister Lottie are all rumoured to be taking part in the show, which is set to air in 2025.
Lottie shared a video of herself dancing on TikTok from a hotel in the country’s capital, San Jose earlier this week.
Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas, daytime TV presenter Steph McGovern, interior design presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and rapper Big Zuu form part of the suggested cast.
Ted Lasso star Kola Bokinnil, Irish singer Una Healy and model Leomie Anderson are also thought to make an appearance.
It is unclear whether Mel B has arrived in the country as she was due to speak in Manchester next week to discuss her memoir Brutally Honest.
Meanwhile Leomie last night shared snaps of herself at a Vogue party in London. The stunning model had been out in Costa Rica earlier this month, where she posed on the same beach Grylls has been spotted on.
The 31-year-old had a scare after finding a scorpion in the bathroom of her hotel room. Staff reportedly said it would take 15 minutes for the to save her so she trapped the creepy-crawly under a glass instead.
The show will see Grylls hunting down the contestants and when he finds them they will be eliminated from the programme.
There has been a notable security presence and a number of staff members surrounding the hotel where the presenters are staying in the Guanacaste province.
Last month it was reported that Netflix had spent £1million on security to protect Willougby for the adventure show that is set to air next year.
It was claimed ex-special forces and former military guns for hire have been brought in to protect Holly from drugs gangs and kidnappers while in the Central American country which has seen a massive uptick in gang and drug violence in recent years.
The once peaceful nation saw a record number of homicides in 2023, and a 66 percent increase in murders from 2013 to 2023.
![Leomie (pictured) was out in Costa Rica earlier this month, where she posed on the same beach Grylls has been spotted on](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/10/84997149-13429291-image-a-8_1715938475812.jpg)
Leomie (pictured) was out in Costa Rica earlier this month, where she posed on the same beach Grylls has been spotted on
![Holly will be the presenter for the competition show that will see celebrities go face-to-face in the jungle](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/15/07/84802489-0-The_full_rumoured_line_up_for_Holly_Willoughby_s_Netflix_show_ha-a-8_1715754875489.jpg)
Holly will be the presenter for the competition show that will see celebrities go face-to-face in the jungle
![Bear, who donned dark grey swim shorts, visited the beach front in the Guanacaste province after a day prepping for the television show](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/08/84993671-13429291-image-a-76_1715931705692.jpg)
Bear, who donned dark grey swim shorts, visited the beach front in the Guanacaste province after a day prepping for the television show
![Since arriving in Costa Rica at the end of April, Bear had been getting regular rub downs at the beach side parlour after discovering it when scouting locations earlier this year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/08/84993667-13429291-image-a-75_1715931700049.jpg)
Since arriving in Costa Rica at the end of April, Bear had been getting regular rub downs at the beach side parlour after discovering it when scouting locations earlier this year
Boris, 56, was also pictured in Costa Rica on Tuesday sporting a very painful-looking elbow injury believed to be 'student's elbow'.
Student's elbow, or 'Olecranon Bursitis' is a condition where a small sack of tissue over the tip of your elbow becomes inflamed and swollen.
Since arriving in Costa Rica at the end of April, Bear had been getting regular rub downs at the beach side parlour after discovering it when scouting locations earlier this year.
‘The massage ladies love him and say he’s a very friendly and down to earth guy,’ a source told the Sun. ‘Bear speaks a bit of Spanish and they know a little English so that’s how they communicate.’
Yet an insider told MailOnline that Bear had stopped his regular massages over fear of being pictured again.
Meanwhile Holly, who has not presented since Dancing on Ice in January, appeared relaxed on a beachfront as she walked down the beach in sunglasses, trainers and a band t-shirt.
Recently, it was revealed that celebrities starring on the show had been warned over the wildlife dangers posed while they film the show.
Those preparing on the gruelling adventure show were reportedly told to look out for rabid vampire bats and deadly snakes as they begin filming in the central American countries’ rainforest.
A medical team is also on standby at all times of the day and night to ensure the welfare of the stars on the show.
‘The Bear Hunt is not for the faint hearted and all the celebrities who have signed up know they're going to be heading into the wild where it's teeming with animal nasties,’ a source said.
'As well as snakes like the venomous hog-nosed pit viper and spiders like the black widow and brown recluse, the jungle is also teeming with bats which can spread rabies.
![Recently, it was revealed that Bear and celebrities starring on the show had been warned over the wildlife dangers posed while they film the show](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/09/84993665-13429291-Recently_it_was_revealed_that_Bear_and_celebrities_starring_on_t-a-1_1715934072028.jpg)
Recently, it was revealed that Bear and celebrities starring on the show had been warned over the wildlife dangers posed while they film the show
![Bear, whose hotel can cost up to £531 a night, jogged along the beach before setting his sights on the open water](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/09/84993673-13429291-Bear_whose_hotel_can_cost_up_to_531_a_night_jogged_along_the_bea-m-92_1715933102618.jpg)
Bear, whose hotel can cost up to £531 a night, jogged along the beach before setting his sights on the open water
![Action Man Bear Grylls on the beach at his luxury Hotel in Costa Rica](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/10/84887197-13429291-The_star_who_is_staying_in_an_ocean_side_hotel_that_can_cost_up_-a-9_1715938786082.jpg)
Action Man Bear Grylls on the beach at his luxury Hotel in Costa Rica
![The former SAS trooper and survival expert is currently in Costa Rica along with former This Morning star Holly Willoughby to present the reality competition show](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/10/84887203-13429291-The_former_SAS_trooper_and_survival_expert_is_currently_in_Costa-a-10_1715938789030.jpg)
The former SAS trooper and survival expert is currently in Costa Rica along with former This Morning star Holly Willoughby to present the reality competition show
![A stony-faced Bear Grylls emerged from his luxury hotel with his face covered in black sand and mud as filming gets underway for his latest £10 million Netflix project - Bear Hunt](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/10/84887199-13429291-A_stony_faced_Bear_Grylls_emerged_from_his_luxury_hotel_with_his-a-11_1715938792953.jpg)
A stony-faced Bear Grylls emerged from his luxury hotel with his face covered in black sand and mud as filming gets underway for his latest £10 million Netflix project - Bear Hunt
![Willoughby, 41, is also thought to be staying at the picturesque hotel, according to locals](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/10/84887191-13429291-Willoughby_41_is_also_thought_to_be_staying_at_the_picturesque_h-a-12_1715938796696.jpg)
Willoughby, 41, is also thought to be staying at the picturesque hotel, according to locals
'Naturally every precaution possible has been put in place by Netflix to ensure the safety of everyone working on the show, from the crew to the celebrities, but it's a show which isn't for the faint hearted.'
Mel B, 48, is believed to be appearing on the show - along with the likes of Boris Becker, Lottie Moss, Danny Cipriani and Shirley Ballas.
Mel was allegedly paid a six-figure sum to appear on the show, which will see stars forced to rely on their survival skills to elude master adventurer Bear.
A TV source said the upcoming show, which will also allegedly star Kola Bokinnil, Una Healy and Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen - is 'set to be a huge hit' and the streaming giant is 'ploughing loads of money into it' with intentions to already plan a second series.
Regarding health and safety on the show, a medical team is on standby at all times of the day and night to ensure the welfare of the stars on the show.
A source told The Sun: 'The Bear Hunt is not for the faint hearted and all the celebrities who have signed up know they're going to be heading into the wild where it's teeming with animal nasties.
'As well as snakes like the venomous hog-nosed pit viper and spiders like the black widow and brown recluse, the jungle is also teeming with bats which can spread rabies.
'Naturally every precaution possible has been put in place by Netflix to ensure the safety of everyone working on the show, from the crew to the celebrities, but it's a show which isn't for the faint hearted.'
A representative for Holly has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.
It comes after Mel B accidentally confirmed she is set to appear on Bear Hunt.
Mel dropped a huge hint confirming she is joining A-list names on the £10 million gruelling endurance show.
She shared a clip last Wednesday capturing herself enjoying a cold bath in a tropical location, which looked like Costa Rica.
Scary Spice - was seen exiting a wooden bungalow and heading to a frosty pool, where she braved the cold.
After the quick dip, Mel quickly headed out and ran to her towel nearby, flaunting her incredibly toned figure in a print blue bikini with a bandeau top.
'Luvvvv the sunnn and my ice baths having the best time but that was HARDDDD might do it again u no I luv my ice baths,' she captioned the video.
Mel has apparently told pals that she signed up for the show to fund her wedding to fiancé Rory McPhee, 36, which will take place at St Paul's Cathedral in London.
It comes as a huge pop star has reportedly pulled out of the show.
![Stars who have been linked to the show include Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas (pictured) and rugby legend Danny Cipriani](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/15/07/84803303-13419943-Other_stars_who_have_previously_been_linked_to_the_show_include_-a-11_1715755136051.jpg)
Stars who have been linked to the show include Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas (pictured) and rugby legend Danny Cipriani
![More members of the rumoured line-up include Mel B and OnlyFans star and Kate Moss' sister Lottie (pictured)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/15/07/84803471-13419943-Members_of_the_rumoured_line_up_also_include_OnlyFans_star_and_K-a-12_1715755143093.jpg)
More members of the rumoured line-up include Mel B and OnlyFans star and Kate Moss' sister Lottie (pictured)
![Mel B, 48, has apparently told pals that she signed up for the show to fund her wedding to fiancé Rory McPhee, 36, which will take place at St Paul's Cathedral in London](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/09/81085109-13429291-Mel_B_has_emotionally_revealed_she_s_finally_been_able_to_buy_a_-m-96_1715933750855.jpg)
Mel B, 48, has apparently told pals that she signed up for the show to fund her wedding to fiancé Rory McPhee, 36, which will take place at St Paul's Cathedral in London
![It comes as Little Mix's former star Jesy Nelson (seen) has reportedly pulled out of the show at the last minute](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/17/09/84581621-13429291-It_comes_as_Little_Mix_s_Jesy_Nelson_seen_has_reportedly_pulled_-a-93_1715933706438.jpg)
It comes as Little Mix's former star Jesy Nelson (seen) has reportedly pulled out of the show at the last minute
Little Mix's Jesy Nelson, 32, won't be featured on the upcoming series, according to a new report.
A source told The Sun: 'Jesy had meetings with producers who were casting for the show, but in the end they couldn't come to a deal so Jesy won't be in the final line-up.
'It will be a real blow to Little Mix fans who were excited to see her back in the public eye, and it would have been a huge global gig for Jesy, but bosses met with loads of big celeb names and not everyone ends up in the confirmed mix.'
The telly source teased the upcoming show is 'set to be a huge hit' and the streaming giant is 'ploughing loads of money into it' with intentions to already plan a second series.