Learn how we’re helping bring back a cult classic with an electric twist! And how our teleprompter app kept presenters’ lines on track, even in the middle of an active scrapyard.

Zapheap: Scrapheap Challenge’s futuristic new chapter

If you’re a fan of cars or engineering, you probably remember Scrapheap Challenge. First airing way back in 1998, the Channel 4 show pitted teams against each other to build everything from dune buggies to trebuchets out of scrapyard junk. The ensuing pressure, creativity, and chaos of the challenges made for excellent television, and the show amassed a cult following over its 12-year run.

Fast forward to 2025, and the show’s unique concept is being reborn with an electric twist as Zapheap. From the creators of Everything Electric, the new Zapheap will be presented by original host Robert Llewellyn. Inventor Colin Furze will join Llewellyn as co-host, and engineers Richard Morgan and Anne Kloppenborg will help guide teams through the challenge.

The show’s pilot episode sees two expert-led teams once again transform junk into working machines – but this time, the machines are electric!

Eager fans will also have the opportunity to see the finished creations in the flesh (or the metal!). The machines will be tested in front of a live audience at the Everything Electric Expo in Farnborough on 11th-12th October – and tickets are still available here!

What you can expect from Zapheap

Zapheap will retain all the fast-paced, creative energy from the original show, but this time with an electric twist. Here’s why you should tune in:

Bringing Scrapheap Challenge into the future: Instead of petrol-burning machines, teams will create contraptions powered by batteries. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the power of sustainable engineering.
Live finale at Everything Electric Expo: The pilot will end in an on-site battle of the machines in Farnborough on 11th-12th October 2025. Grab your ticket to watch the creations race and vote for the winner!
World-class hosts and mentors: Robert Llewellyn brings a dose of nostalgia to the new show, while YouTube sensation Colin Furze injects contagious energy. Engineers Richard Morgan of Electric Classic Cars and Anne Kloppenborg of New Electric will provide the teams with expert guidance.

Powered by Teleprompter Pro

At Teleprompter Pro, we’re long-time fans of the Everything Electric team and their events, and we’re proud to play a role in their productions! Their presenters have been using the Teleprompter Pro app for years on their YouTube channel, Everything Electric.

When we heard they were planning a modern reboot of Scrapheap Challenge, we just had to get involved. We’ve provided funding to support the pilot and help the creators behind the show bring their ideas to life.

We know Zapheap has the potential to inspire a whole new generation of inventors, and we’re honoured to be a part of the launch!

How we used Teleprompter Pro on set

Filming a TV show pilot in a working outdoor scrapyard was a whole challenge in itself, Especially with the unpredictable Great British weather to deal with. Here’s how Teleprompter Pro helped bring the show to life:

Outdoor readability: Bright sunlight can sometimes be too bright for a traditional studio teleprompter, but Teleprompter Pro running on the iPad Pro’s Tandem OLED display technology meant the script was clear and easily readable in all light conditions.
External Display Mode: With the iPad mounted to the camera, our operator can see the text with a connected video monitor. External Display Mode on Teleprompter Pro will show a clean feed of the text and can be reversed to remain readable for the operator.
Remote control and speed adjustments: We used a PlayStation DualShock 4 controller with Teleprompter Pro allowing Robert to speak at a natural pace while reacting to the chaos on set!
Cross-device syncing and compatibility: Last moment script changes were made easily from another device in the production office and instantly updated in Teleprompter Pro.

Soon, you’ll see how the show’s amazing team brought the production together, and how a teleprompter app can make a huge difference in a challenging production. Keep an eye out for a BTS episode release on the Everything Electric YouTube channel later this year.

Proudly supporting creators

We’re proud that Teleprompter Pro helps so many creators, educators, and presenters, and our partnership with Zapheap is an extension of our mission. By supporting this pilot production, we’re investing in a project that values both creativity and sustainability.

Want to join us for the finale?

The final race will take place at Everything Electric in Farnborough on 11th-12th October 2025. Tickets include entry to the arena where the grand finale will be filmed in front of a live audience.

If you can’t make it in person, you’ll be able to watch the finale and our behind-the-scenes episode on the Everything Electric YouTube channel. The dates of release are to be confirmed, so be sure to subscribe to get notified when they’re out!

Want to see how a teleprompter can streamline your own productions? Try Teleprompter Pro for free and discover how it can transform your content creation.