Tempting Fortune - Series 2 - Meet the Fortune Seekers

5 March 2025

After a dramatic first series of guilt, temptation, peer pressure and conflict, Paddy McGuinness returns to present a second series of reality hit Tempting Fortune filled with temptations but also much more backstabbing, secrecy and betrayals.

Set in the stunning, yet gruelling new location of Langkawi, Malaysia, Tempting Fortune sees 12 complete strangers give up all luxuries in the ultimate test of willpower, to endure a gruelling 18-day trek across the Malaysian wilderness with only basic survival gear as they attempt to reach a £300,000 prize at the finish line.

However, the twist is that along the way, they can choose to spend some of that prize money on a series of ‘temptations’ that will be sure to get their hearts racing but come at the world’s highest prices. But, even if just one person opts to take a temptation, the prize fund will go down and everyone else will end up paying for it. How much will they be left with in the end and will this bunch of Fortune Seekers be able to overlook the temptations, or will they spend all the prize money?

Tempting Fortune Series 2 - Watch live or Stream from Sunday 16th March at 9pm on Channel 4. 

MEET THE FORTUNE SEEKERS

 

DAVID
37, London, Vicar
 

David has been a vicar in the Anglican church for 5 years.

As a priest he has learnt that money is not what life should be valued on. He lives within his means and does not strive for more.

Subject to daily temptations that he must refuse, as part of his spiritual journey, David is ready to test himself by not following the group consensus and to open himself up to opposing views.

HENRY
23, Sheffield, 
Amateur Footballer

Since he was a child, Henry has found people underestimate him. Growing up deaf, he often got

frustrated with the people around him not understanding and found people didn't see potential in him.

Tempting Fortune would be a huge opportunity for Henry to prove people wrong who underestimate him, as well as continue to prove to himself that he can do hard things.

Henry plans to come out of the experience not having taken any temptations but he also knows that it's not going to be plain sailing eating rice and beans every day. He aims to get the group to all agree to taking a few temptations each. But will his plan work?

HUGO
20, Bristol, University Student

Often thought of as the underdog, Hugo is wanting to embrace this experience to come out on top and prove everyone wrong.

Having grown up experiencing a privileged upbringing, Hugo doesn’t really understand the value of money, can be quite easily influenced by others and also admits he doesn’t always think enough before agreeing to things! He’s also a terrible liar and is unable to keep a straight face – so how will he fare if he has taken secret temptations…

IMANI
32, Bedfordshire,
Fashion Blogger

For Imani, life is all about experiences. She’ll never deny herself the chance at joy, and will actively encourage others to do the same for their own joy. Imani wants to challenge herself to see if she could make it to the end when she’s stripped of all of her modern day conveniences.

In this experience, she believes she will struggle with everything - except the temptations, and is not intimated by anyone who will judge or disagree with her choices.

MARTHA
25, Hampshire, Ex Yacht Stewardess
 

People often judge Martha before they get to know her, but she is used to hard work and happy to get her hands dirty with any task that is given to her.

Having been around wealthy people whilst working on the luxury yachts, Martha has seen how the other half live and is wanting that luxury lifestyle.

Stubborn and head strong, she would like to challenge herself to not give into temptations but is also used to having what she wants when she wants it.

NATHANIEL
29, London, Personal Trainer

Nathaniel is a self-confessed city boy, who thinks the city and the wild don’t mix. He has never been without basic necessities before or even slept outside of a bed. As a personal trainer he is constantly coaching others, and Tempting Fortune will force him to practice what he preaches.

Although he wants to challenge himself, if he is hungry he says he goes into survival mode, where all cards are off the table and it’s him vs the world. He has plans for the money and does not think he will feel guilty for deceiving a 3-week-old friendship…

SAM
40, Wirral, Ex-Restaurant Owner

Sam lost her beloved restaurant in 2023 due to inflation. Having been financially independent since childhood, she’s determined to provide for herself and her children again and knows her history working in the cut-throat restauranteur industry gives her a backbone and willpower like no other!

She describes herself as a ‘broken woman’ due to the past months but is determined to not let the jungle or any temptations get the better of her.  Sam’s biggest attribute is that she can be very persuasive and will try to influence the group – she hopes!

TED
58, Carmarthenshire,
Retired Prison Officer
 

Having worked in both the Royal Navy and a high-security prison, Ted would like to step outside of his comfort zone once again and conquer an unknown challenge like he did in his former years.

Ted is now a Park Volunteer and one of his motivations is to inspire the youth of the valleys areas and use any prize money to invest back into the parks and gardens to give back to his community.

He is determined to get through by resisting temptations by keeping everyone’s eyes on the prize, leading by example. He is a motivator, hoping his experience working in prison and the navy will help people buy into his leadership.

THOM
33, Essex, Hospitality Sales Manager

Thom comes from a long line of grafters and has been known to splash the cash in the past. Now, with a young family of his own, he’s had to change his spending habits. He wants to learn to be more responsible with money to provide the best life for his growing family.

Thom is going to use his charm, humour and honesty to win over the group and stand up for the underdogs.

He also admits to being very nosy and will use that to his advantage to get valuable information where he may need it…

TOMASZ
39, Nottingham, Firefighter

Growing up in Poland, Tomasz's father was very frugal with money; despite earning a lot, he wanted to save for the future. Sadly, he passed away from cancer before he could enjoy the savings. Seeing his father’s approach to money has made Tomasz re-evaluate its worth and he now lives in the moment.

Tomasz believes his experience as a firefighter, combined with his intense workout regime, will help him be great at leadership in tough physical situations.

He believes in telling white lies to get what he wants, but is convinced that his golden retriever energy will allow him to be forgiven.

TRISH
59, Essex, Paramedic

Trish loves pushing herself to her limits, taking on challenges to prove age is just a number and women can do everything men can, and sometimes they can do it better!

After losing her dad at the age of 18, and joining the ambulance service to help others, Trish tries to see the positives in life and wants to try her hand at everything - including this adventure!

Trish is very protective and will make sure everyone in the group is being heard. She doesn’t think she could be tempted because she would feel too guilty about taking other peoples money.

VICKI
37, Nottingham,
Greeting Card Entrepreneur

Growing up in a low-income household as one of four children, Vicki understands what it’s like to live with minimal means. Now that she is the managing director of a successful business, she splurges on experiences and holidays she couldn’t have before.

As an ex-hostage negotiator, Vicki has lots of persuasive techniques up her sleeve to convince others to join the bandwagon on her approach to temptations and challenges.