Channel 4 commissions from Minnow Films Go Back to Where you Came From (w/t)

8 July 2024

Immigration remains one of the most controversial and divisive topics in the UK, and with the number of people crossing the Channel illegally more than quadrupling over the past four years, it is a subject that will continue to dominate the national debate.

Channel 4 has commissioned from Minnow Films ‘Go Back to Where You Came From’ (w/t). This bold and timely four-part series will set out to challenge how British people feel about asylum seekers and immigration. This unique social experiment is based on the Australian multi-award-winning series and will be adapted for the UK market.

The show will immerse an opinionated group of six Brits, with views across the immigration argument, in the reality of the perilous journeys refugees and migrants make to the UK.  Starting on our UK borders, our contributors will first travel  to the homelands that refugees are so desperate to leave.

Dropped into contrasting, high-risk locations, they  start their journey in  Mogadishu in Somalia and Raqqa in Syria,  two of the most dangerous cities on earth.  How will they cope  experiencing the threat of near-by missile strikes, witnessing  mass overcrowding of camps, and being up close to those  living in devastating poverty?

They then travel to countries on migrant routes through Africa, the Middle East and Europe into the UK,  facing scenarios and experiences which continually challenge their views.   They have to trek through the African desert, climb over border crossings through mountain ranges, and experience first-hand the terror of small boat crossings.

Will these immense and extremely challenging experiences alter their personal views on immigration and create some difficult and controversial conversations amongst the group?

Go Back to Where You Came From (w/t)  from will take an unflinching look at the truth of immigration, across the debate. Tackling the issue head on,  it will confront, educate, anger, shock and tug at the heartstrings of liberals, the right wing and everyone in-between.

Senior Commissioning Editors Anna Miralis and Madonna Benjamin said: “This is an extremely bold commission that continues to reinforce the Channel’s commitment to tackle difficult and highly relevant subject matter.  It is hoped that this will offer up an opportunity for the British public to help understand some of the terrifying perils asylum seekers face when they attempt to travel to the UK.  The adaptation of this multi- award -winning Australian format will be thoughtful and impactful and is likely to create an intense debate about an issue that Britain has grappled with for decades.”

Liam Humphreys said, "We are thrilled to be working with C4 on this audacious and ground-breaking idea which will provide a unique and compelling perspective on the plight and flight of asylum seekers. Go Back To Where You Came From (w/t)  is a perfect illustration of how a controversial and thought-provoking format can, through a very human focus, challenge preconceptions and ignite the national debate".

Line Producer, Sian Atkinson 

Production Executive, Justine Faram

Series Director, Guy Simmonds

Shooting Series Producer: Dave Sutton

Series Editor, Nicky Hammond

Executive Producers, Liam Humphreys & Emma Young 

Notes to Editors

Awards

Series 1 2012 Rose D’or Golden Rose winner

Series 2 2013 International Emmy winner 

For further information:

srosier@channel4.co.uk                                                                       

Notes to editors:

About Channel 4

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