Channel 4’s controversial reality show ‘Banged Up’ has already secured a second season renewal, even before the premiere of its first season. The four-part documentary series, set to air on October 31, follows a group of celebrities as they voluntarily spend time in the decommissioned Shrewsbury Prison.
During their eight-day stint, the participants were subjected to the realities of prison life, including being locked up in cells, performing assigned tasks, and even undergoing body searches. Real former prison guards and ex-criminals were on hand to attend to their needs.
Reports suggest that Channel 4 is now considering a women’s version of the series for its second season. The all-female lineup would not only feature female celebrities but also an all-female staff within a women’s prison. The potential sequel is seen as a logical choice, given the anticipated success of the first season.
The first season, set to debut at the end of October, will showcase a diverse cast of participants, including EastEnders actor Sid Owen, Gogglebox star Marcus Luther, and journalist Peter Hitchens. Other notable figures like ex-MP Neil Parish, comedian and actor Tom Rosenthal, and former Strictly Come Dancing star HRVY will also take part. Notably, Health Secretary Matt Hancock was approached but declined the invitation.
Throughout the series, the celebrities had the opportunity to interact with their fellow inmates, learning about their experiences and understanding the impact that incarceration has had on their lives. The experiment was conducted under the guidance of a former prison governor with over two decades of experience in managing some of the UK’s most notorious correctional facilities. All participants lived under the current prison rules of the UK.
Sid Owen, known for his role as Ricky Butcher in EastEnders, has previously spoken about his father’s imprisonment during his childhood. In his memoir From Rags to Ricky, he shared the hardships of his upbringing, including an absent father and a terminally ill mother. Due to their extreme poverty, Sid and his brothers resorted to committing burglaries to survive, with Sid’s small size enabling him to navigate tight spaces.
The upcoming release of ‘Banged Up’ has generated significant buzz, leading to Channel 4’s decision to greenlight a second season even before the first season premieres. The network is eager to gauge audience reactions and hopes that the show will captivate viewers.
As the premiere draws closer, fans eagerly await the launch of ‘Banged Up’ to see how the celebrities adapt to their temporary prison life. With the possibility of a women’s version on the horizon, it seems that Channel 4 is committed to exploring the boundaries of reality television through thought-provoking and immersive experiences.
