It’s been clear from the pilot episode of Arrow on The CW that series star Stephen Amell is no slouch in the physical prowess department. He doesn’t rely on a stuntman for all the rough-and-tumble, and Felicity Smoak was not the only female fan to swoon as Amell powered up and down the salmon ladder.
It’s also no secret Amell is a fan of the NBC reality competition series American Ninja Warrior, having posted to social medial often about his love for the show, including his desire to tackle the ever-changing, always grueling obstacle course.
Now, he’s getting his chance. Amell will appear in ANW‘s first-ever celebrity edition during a special episode to air at 8 p.m. EST on Thursday, May 25. According to TV Guide, other celebs slated to appear include Derek Hough from Dancing With the Stars, Erika Christensen of Parenthood, Today Show anchor Natalie Morales, comedian Nikki Glaser, Olympic gold medalist Ashton Eaton, former Yankees player Nick Swisher, actress Mena Suvari and comedian Jeff Dye.
For the special, each celebrity will be paired with an ANW veteran acting as coach and mentor. Amell may get a leg up in his quest to be the first celebrity ninja warrior as his coach will be Kacy Catanzaro, the first, and so far only, female to complete a “city stage” course en route to the ANW finals.
The American Ninja Warrior celebrity competition will kick off NBC’s annual “Red Nose Day” event, which aims to raises money and awareness for children living in poverty in America and around the world. As part of the special night of programming, the ANW special will be followed by a special episode of Running Wild with Bear Grylls at 9 p.m. EST and The Red Nose Day Special, which will feature a Love Actually sequel, at 10 EST.
