Jonathan Ross' Handcuffed Show Sparks Outrage Over Hitler Art Display
Channel 4's new reality television programme, Handcuffed, hosted by celebrity presenter Jonathan Ross, has ignited controversy with a shocking segment featuring artwork painted by Adolf Hitler. The show, which premiered on March 2, pairs 18 strangers from diverse backgrounds, handcuffing them together as they compete for a £100,000 prize pot. In a preview, Sir Benjamin Slade, a 79-year-old baronet described as old-school and upper-class, is seen cuffed to former prison officer George, 60, leading to a fiery confrontation over a painting in Sir Benjamin's home.
Heated Clash Over Controversial Artwork
During the episode, Sir Benjamin gives George a tour of his stately home in Somerset, pointing out a piece of artwork on the hallway wall. He explains, 'That was a painting done by a famous artist, a German chappy,' before revealing the name: 'A. Hitler.' George, visibly taken aback, responds, 'Adolf Hitler? He painted that?' Sir Benjamin continues, 'Yes, he was a good painter, wasn't he? He was very good at oratory, he was very good at history, he was very good with children, he loved music and was very good with dogs.'
George, growing increasingly disgruntled, retorts, 'You sound like a fan,' to which Sir Benjamin adds, 'No, he was slightly difficult for other reasons... That is just German art of that period, and you have to respect it.' Launching into an attack, George hits back, 'So you've gone and purchased that? I wouldn't want his painting in my house because of what he did to humanity. That is a horror of a human being and his artwork doesn't belong to be shown, it belongs in the toilet. Do you not see that is abhorrent to some people? You upper classes are f**king barmy, aren't you? You're round the f**king twist.'
Background on Sir Benjamin Slade
Sir Benjamin Slade is no stranger to controversy. Previously, he made headlines by launching a controversial appeal to find a bride, offering women £50,000 to provide male heirs and help manage his 1,300-acre Somerset estate. He specified that applicants must be at least 20 years younger than him and be 'good breeders' to ensure at least two male heirs. As a baronet descended from Charles II, he promised hopefuls an annual package including a car, house, expenses, food, and holidays.
Other Participants in Handcuffed
The show features a variety of unlikely pairs, including:
- Adult content creator Rob, 32, paired with Sara, 55, who describes herself as the 'female Nigel Farage' and is known for her blunt honesty.
- Self-professed alpha male Reuben, 29.
- Model Bambi, 29.
- Horse trainer Claire.
- Hippie Morag.
- Retired soldier Bob, 70.
Jonathan Ross commented on the series, saying, 'I believe this experiment will go a small way to healing a fractured Britain; after all, to know is to love. I'm rooting for our couples to go the distance and not let differences overpower us.'
Channel 4's Recent Drama Success
This comes as Channel 4 viewers have praised a new drama, Dirty Business, for being the 'new Mr Bates Vs The Post Office'. The series, based on a true story, follows former detective Ash Smith and professor Peter Hammond as they investigate water companies for illegal sewage pollution. The first episode depicted the tragic death of eight-year-old Heather Preen from E.Coli after playing on a contaminated beach, drawing comparisons to the Post Office Horizon scandal drama that sparked public outrage and led to policy changes.
Viewers took to social media to express their shock, with one noting, '#DirtyBusiness on C4 is up there with Mr Bates v The Post Office,' and another calling it 'harrowing and tragic.' The drama highlights ongoing environmental issues and corporate failures in the UK.
Handcuffed airs on Channel 4 at 9pm, promising more tense moments as strangers navigate their differences in pursuit of the £100,000 prize.
