The upcoming Spartan TV show, filming in Australia and featuring New Zealand and Australian athletes, has revealed its hosts –  journalist Edwina Bartholomew, AFL commentator Hamish McLachlan, and rugby legend Wendell Sailor.

Bartholomew, 34, is one of Seven’s top talents, with executives said to have been looking for some time for the right show to propel her into prime time.

Sailor had a highly successful career in two rugby codes and has remade himself as a TV personality since retiring in 2010. Seven says he will interview Spartan contestants and provide commentary as the teams make their way through the obstacle course.

The show, now appearing to be titled ‘Australian Spartan’ rather than the previous title of ‘Spartan’, put out a New Zealand casting call in 2017 for New Zealand participants. Inspired by the global fitness phenomenon Spartan Race and based on the US TV show Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge, Australian Spartan films in Brisbane, Australia this December.

It will air in New Zealand on TVNZ 2 and OnDemand in 2018.