Channel 4 has confirmed that its show Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing will return for a second series, with presenter Jonathan Ross back to front the programme. The series, described as an 'outrageous social experiment', follows a group of strangers with completely opposite beliefs, opinions, lifestyles and habits as they are handcuffed in pairs.
Format and prize
Being together 24/7, each duo must try to outlast the other competitors in the 'ultimate test of survival', with the last pair standing winning a huge cash prize. In series one, which featured high emotion, tension and heated arguments, practical homemaker Charlie won the show with adult content creator Rob, taking home a collective £100,000.
Reception and streaming success
The first series was a huge streaming success, with over 2 million views recorded from episode one alone, performing particularly well with viewers aged between 16 and 34. Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Tim Hancock said: "Part of Channel 4's job is to reflect every corner of Britain, and not just the loudest or most comfortable parts. Handcuffed does that better than almost anything else on our slate, and its return is a vote of confidence in formats built on genuine difference."
Tom Clarke, Executive Producer at 72 Films, a Fremantle Company, added: "The first series of Handcuffed got the nation talking, especially in demographics we're often told have left TV behind. We're thrilled viewers enjoyed the high-octane thrills and spills of the competition, along with the oodles of heart our pairs delivered as they really got to know each other."
Audience praise
Viewers have praised the programme since it aired, with many calling it 'brilliant'. One person said: "Ch4 #handcuffed is brilliant, it needs a big launch next year, it's basically big brother but handcuffed with no escape." Another wrote: "Well, @Channel4 #handcuffed was absolutely brilliant TV. What a journey!"
Someone else commented: "I really hope handcuffed gets more seasons i've been absolutely hooked on it #handcuffed." While a fourth shared: "#handcuffed What a great show, I'm loving this." It is not yet known when the second series will air. Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing is available to watch on Channel 4.
