Channel 4 has renewed its divisive reality series Handcuffed for a second season, with plans for a celebrity spin-off also in the works. The show, hosted by Jonathan Ross, pairs 18 strangers with opposing views who are handcuffed together for a £100,000 prize.
The first series, which aired earlier this year, sparked mixed reactions. Viewers described it as 'car crash TV' and 'exploitative', while others praised its drama. One contestant quit after praising Adolf Hitler, and another was handcuffed to a millionaire and asked to put on his pants.
According to a TV insider, producers are keen to continue the show. 'There isn't just an appetite for a second series of the civilian show, there's also the desire to make a celebrity version,' a source told The Sun. 'That's because there are plenty of stars out there who have very contrasting views... the prospect of them being stuck with one another is just delicious.'
The first series winners were adult content creator Rob and conservative housewife Charlie. Other pairings included a plus-size model with a gym-obsessed alpha male.
Online reactions were divided. One Reddit user called it 'the closest reality TV has come to Squid Games', while another said it was 'TV that's hit rock bottom'. However, some viewers enjoyed it, with one calling it 'car crash TV at its finest'.
