Exclusive: Reality Show Cast Member's Controversial Art Collection Stuns Viewers
Jonathan Ross's new reality television programme, Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, is poised to ignite viewer fury with what critics are labelling an 'abhorrent' cast member. Sir Ben Slade, the 80-year-old 7th baronet of Maunsel, appears decidedly foolish as he proclaims himself a 'street fighter' yet becomes the first contestant to quit the series after being shackled to a self-described 'communist'.
Aristocrat's Shocking Art Collection Revealed
Audiences will be left utterly astonished when it emerges that Sir Ben's extensive art collection includes a painting by Adolf Hitler alongside statues depicting African slaves. This revelation forms a critical part of the Channel 4 series, which represents a final gamble for the octogenarian aristocrat. He desperately requires his half-share of the £100,000 prize money to financially support his ancestral home, a vast 14th-century mansion located in Somerset.
His task seemed straightforward: remain physically handcuffed to George Shipton for the duration of filming. George, a 60-year-old left-wing former prison officer turned historical tour guide, immediately clashed with Sir Ben's aristocratic demeanour. "Don't let the cockney accent fool you," George warned. "Don't go thinking you're better than me because you've got a plum in your gob - cause you ain't."
Explosive Confrontation Over Hitler Painting
The tension escalates dramatically when Sir Ben draws George's attention to the Hitler painting shortly after their arrival at Maunsel House. George, branding the artwork "abhorrent", confronts his host, stating he would not tolerate such a piece in his own home due to the historical figure's atrocities against humanity. Sir Ben's flippant response—"He was a good painter wasn't he?"—only fuels the conflict.
Further controversy arises over Sir Ben's "politically incorrect" statues of African slaves, which he insists are actually "princes" merely assuming a submissive pose to support a glass tabletop. Speaking after filming concluded, George expressed his shock to The Mirror, describing the display as "an homage to the king of racists" and a stark statement of power intended to put visitors in their place.
Baronet's Early Exit Amid Financial Pressures
Despite his urgent need for the £50,000 prize to "keep the wolf from the door," Sir Ben flew into a rage when producers denied him access to his mobile phone, demanding the cuffs be severed. He later claimed his departure was due to work pressures and important business deals, rather than the personality clash. However, since his brief participation was filmed, Maunsel House has been listed for sale and is currently in the process of being purchased by a hotel group.
Series Format and Host's Perspective
The six-part Channel 4 series pairs nine individuals with diametrically opposing worldviews, forcing them to eat, sleep, shower, and use the toilet while permanently handcuffed together. Host Jonathan Ross admitted his primary concern was the show becoming excessively stressful for audiences. "There is a built-in level of conflict, and I was very concerned that that wouldn't be too extreme," he explained, noting the participants hail from "very, very different worlds."
Nevertheless, Ross observed significant cooperation and even friendship developing throughout the process, expressing hope for a potential second series or a celebrity edition. He speculated about ideal famous pairings, mentioning Xander Armstrong, Alan Carr, Stormzy, and Dave. Despite his success on The Traitors, Ross confessed he would personally struggle with the physical demands of such a format.
Additional Controversial Pairings
The series features several other provocative matches designed to generate friction:
- Tilly, a 37-year-old cleaner and barmaid from North London, with Anthony, a 60-year-old classic car businessman from Suffolk.
- Staunch feminist Jo, 39, with self-proclaimed alpha male Reuben, 29, from Portsmouth.
- East End hairdresser and Christian Nina, 42, with right-wing mother-of-seven Sara, 55.
- Prudish housewife Charlie, 44, from West Sussex, with Staffordshire-based Rob, 32, who produces gay pornography.
- Horse trainer Claire, 48, from Hampshire, with model and influencer Bambi, 29, from London.
- Political commentator Lin, 38, with Green Party councillor Frank, 27.
- Retired soldier Bob, 70, from Yorkshire, with youth worker Chris, 38, from London.
- Somerset hippie Morag, 64, with petrol-head Angie, 44, from Stockport.
Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing airs on Monday at 9pm on Channel 4.
