A Russian wilderness reality show in which crimes such as rape and murder are "allowed" is to be launched next year, according to reports.

The TV show, called Game 2: Winter, will see 30 male and female contestants fight to stay alive in the Siberian wilderness, populated with bears and wolves and blasted with extreme temperatures.

The winner will walk away with a $1.6m prize, according to the Siberian Times.

Organisers have said that "everything is allowed", including rape and murder. Contestants of the show have to sign a waiver acknowledging they may not survive the nine-month challenge, and if crimes are committed, they will be arrested.

An advert for the show states: "Each contestant gives consent that they could be maimed, even killed, 2,000 camera, 900 hectares and 30 lives. Everything is allowed. Fighting, alcohol, murder, rape, smoking, anything."

The producers have also warned that anyone who commits a crime on camera will be investigated by police as Russian criminal procedures still apply.

There will be no camera crew. Participants in the show will also be supplied with body-cameras and all streams will be available 24 hours for the duration of the show.

Russian billionaire, Yevgeny Pyatkovsky (35), the show's creator has said that survival in the game is almost "virtually impossible."

"You should also keep in mind that this will be a real forest, with dangerous wildlife and harmful insects. Of course, there will be some safety precautions in place, but it would still take about half an hour to reach the area where the show will take place by helicopter.

"There will be no filming crew: the whole area will be dotted with cameras and each participant will be carrying a portable camera with seven-hour life rechargeable battery."

Pyatkovsky added: “The show promises to be international. “Five countries have already expressed the desire to broadcast it for their audiences.”

He claims that 60 people have already applied, including one American.

All of the participants must pay approximately €160,000 to take part. Others will be selected from an online lottery which will allow them to appear on the show for free.

Contestants will be permitted knives, but no guns, and will be given survival training from Russia's elite former GRU Spetznaz operatives to help them cope with temperatures ranging from 35c in high summer to minus 40c or lower in the depths of the Siberian winter, according to reports.

Online Editors