July 11th 2024.
Unfortunately, it seems that Banged Up, the popular reality show that put celebrities in a real prison, will not be returning for a second series on Channel 4. Despite its success, the network has made the decision to not bring back the show, much to the surprise of producers.
The first season of Banged Up took place in the now-closed HMP Shrewsbury, where famous faces like Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Johnny Mercer, EastEnders actor Sid Owen, and Gogglebox star Marcus Luther were challenged to live like inmates. Along with them were former prisoners, who were asked to behave in the same way they did before reforming, adding to the chaos.
The show's crazy antics earned it a BAFTA nomination, but it ultimately lost to the hit series Squid Game at the prestigious awards ceremony. Viewers were hooked on the show, with some calling it "the best reality TV show you're not watching." Even Levison Wood and Nick Walker were drawn in by the show's insanity.
It's a shame that the show will not continue, as producers were already considering famous names like Nigel Farage and exploring the possibility of a version set in a women's prison. However, it seems that the decision to axe the show was purely financial, according to an insider.
A Channel 4 spokesperson confirmed that Banged Up was only ever meant to be a one-off social experiment, but the decision to not continue with it is still surprising. This move is part of the network's larger five-year plan to become a digital-first public service streamer by 2030, which has also resulted in the cancellation of other shows like Danny Dyer's Scared of the Dark and Greg James's Rise and Fall.
The network has also recently shut down several of its music channels, including Kerrang!, The Box, Magic, Kiss, and 4Music, in order to reduce operational costs and focus on their digital priorities. This has also led to a reduction in headcount by 18%.
As for Banged Up, it's a shame that it won't be returning, especially since it provided a unique perspective on the criminal justice system. Former prisoner Ofill Allen, who served 17 years for killing an alleged rapist, voluntarily put himself back in prison for the show, hoping to shed light on the system and potentially improve it.
He even shared a cell with former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, who, like Allen, believes that more politicians should experience prison firsthand to truly understand its realities. It's clear that Banged Up had a powerful impact on those involved, and it will be missed.
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