GMTV's Ben Shephard to host Krypton Factor

Ben Shephard is to host the revitalised Krypton Factor when the show returns to ITV in January.

The 33-year-old will bring the show to primetime audiences nearly 14 years after it last appeared in the schedules.

The GMTV Today co-anchor will put a new generation of contestants through the mental and physical tests on "Britain's toughest game show", which was presented by Gordon Burns on ITV between 1977-95.

Ben - who has previously worked on programmes including Who Dares Sings and The XTra Factor - said: "The Krypton Factor is an iconic UK show and I'm really excited to be picking up the mantle from the legend, Gordon Burns. As a kid, I was desperate to have a go on the assault course and make a mess of the puzzles."

The show saw contestants tested on their memory, logic and general knowledge - before facing the famous army assault course. The assault course is back but ITV has promised it will be more gruelling than ever and all the challenges have been updated using the latest technology.

Michael Kelpie, executive producer at ITV, said: "Ben Shephard has proved himself to be one of the most versatile presenters on television and is the perfect man for The Krypton Factor."

ITV said the show's return marks the biggest advertiser-funded programme the broadcaster has ever commissioned, being driven by a partnership with business software and services provider Sage (UK) Limited.

The show is part of Sage's nationwide Business Brains campaign. Working with ITV, Sage has developed a website www.trainyourbusinessbrain.com featuring extra footage from the show and Krypton Factor-inspired games.