Every year, thousands of young people from across Australia try their luck and battle it out to make the cut on HotSpell.

Only 20 will be selected. Only one can win.

Contestants from different backgrounds - and with vastly different personalities - perform like elite athletes in an exciting test of their talents. Their talent is words, and spelling them properly. And watching these kids’ trying to spell on the spot has all the drama, tension, and triumph of a great sporting event. Over 10 episodes, viewers will get to know and love the characters, cheer for their favourites, and watch the pressure build, not only on the contestants but also on their families and friends.

As a contest, HotSpell is simple. No puzzling gimmicks, no difficult-to-explain scoring system. We cast around the country for Australia’s 20 hottest spellers and by the end of the series only one will be left.