Guardian Review Describes New ITV Gameshow 'The Box' as Confusing, Featuring Lineker, Bercow and Essex

A review in The Guardian's culture section has described a new ITV gameshow called The Box as an unusual and difficult-to-explain program, according to the publication.

According to the review, the show is based on a Norwegian format and features Gary Lineker as host. The article states that the program's opening titles announce "10 BOXES," "10 CONTESTANTS," and a caption reading "NO HELP," which the reviewer says is central to what they call the show's "wilfully befuddling" approach.

The review describes specific scenes from the show, including footage of former House of Commons Speaker John Bercow performing shirtless while throwing glitter at an audience described as pensioners, and television personality Joey Essex striking the walls of a shipping container. The review also mentions former footballer Graeme Souness looking at an egg and a member of the group JLS running toward trees, according to the source material.

The reviewer attempts to characterize the show partly by describing what it is not, stating according to the review that it is not a sitcom, a medical drama, a property show, or "a thing about badgers."

The Guardian review does not provide further details on the show's rules, scoring system, or prizes in the excerpt available. ITV has not been quoted directly in the material reviewed.

The Box is set to air as a six-part series, according to the review.