The Channel 4 reality series "Celebrity Hunted," designed to raise funds for Stand Up To Cancer, is facing criticism for an outdated premise and perceived ineffectiveness. According to a review, the show, which has been running for 11 years, has "aged more badly" and could be described as "weary codswallop."
When "Hunted" first launched in 2015, it was presented as a commentary on state surveillance and the erosion of privacy, using technology such as number plate recognition, facial recognition, and digital footprint tracking. The show challenged teams to evade capture by hunters, relying on their own ingenuity and the assistance of friends and strangers. However, the review argues that the concept is now based on a "paranoid delusion," suggesting that government surveillance capabilities are not as pervasive as the show implies.
This argument is bolstered by a recent incident where a sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, was wrongly released from prison last October and remained at large for several days before being apprehended. The review contrasts this with the show's premise, noting that fugitives in "Celebrity Hunted" must evade capture to win a prize, unlike the real-life scenario where the Home Office reportedly paid Kebatu £500 to leave quietly after his deportation.
Despite these criticisms, Channel 4 reportedly maintains that the show's hunters, composed of former police officers and other professionals, can effectively mimic state surveillance powers. The review points out that the celebrity contestants are at a disadvantage due to the presence of camera crews, whose footage may inadvertently aid the hunters. Participants are advised to remain anonymous to increase their chances of evading capture.
Some participants, like YouTube performers Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran, may have an advantage due to their niche fame. In contrast, comedian and actor Brian Conley reportedly announced his celebrity status to those he encountered, a tactic unlikely to aid in remaining hidden. The review humorously suggests his ego might be trackable via satellite.
The celebrity duos featured in the series include Lucy Conley, Brian Conley, Chris Taylor, Toby Aromolaran, Stuart Douglas, Scarlette Douglas, Carlos Gu, Amy Dowden, JJ Chalmers, Sophie Morgan, Laura Smyth, and Jen Brister. The hunters are identified as Georgina Bradley, Ray Howard, and Steve Hersee.