‘s controversial new show which immerses six Britons with strong views on into the lives of refugees and migrants only had one requirement for those appearing on the show.
A source told : “During the (casting) interview each person was questioned about previous comments and opinions they’ve made about immigration.
“Questions included, why do you believe that immigration is bad/good? What incidences made you have those opinions? Do you believe all immigrants are good/bad for the country?
“They were also challenged on those points in order to see whether their opinion may change throughout the show. Those who expressed an openness to other views were more likely to be on the show because the producers want the participants to go on a journey that viewers can identify with,” they said.
The four-part series, will see the group, including a TikToker and GB News commentator, start their journey in Mogadishu in Somalia and Raqqa in Syria, before traversing perilous migrant routes through Africa, the Middle East and Europe to the UK.
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Channel 4 only had one requirement for those taking part in Go Back To Where You Came From (Image: Tom Barnes/Channel 4)
The series synopsis reads: “The show will immerse an opinionated group of six Brits, with views across the immigration argument, in the reality of the perilous journeys refugees and migrants make to the UK.
“Starting on our UK borders, our contributors will first travel to the homelands that refugees are so desperate to leave.”
Despite Amnesty International claiming the series is insensitive, Channel 4 has defended the “bold” show, noting that its Australian counterpart is now part of the national curriculum there.
35-year-old TikToker and chef Dave Marshall, who attributes his anti-illegal immigration stance to his mother’s work at the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Chloe Dobbs, 24 is a GB News regular who also runs a paddleboarding business. An Oxford University graduate with a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she expressed shock at the level of poverty in Syria after filming there.
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Chloe Dobbs is a regular commentator on GB News and also owns a paddle boarding business (Image: Channel 4/PA)
Haulage business owner Nathan Rimmington, 32, said his experience on the show left him “outraged”. “My son’s biggest worry is whether he’s got enough coins to buy stuff in his games.”
Jess, 33, who works as a sports coach was recently involved in a protest against a hotel at Stradey Park Hotel in Llanelli which had been set to be turned into housing for asylum seekers.
Podcaster Mathila Mallinson, 29, devotes some of her free time to volunteering at refugee camps, pivoting her life between journalism and humanitarian aid.
Bushra Shaikh, 42 is a business owner and who is also a former The Apprentice candidate is a socio-political commentator whose parents are first generation immigrants from Pakistan. She reflected: “Before I began the journey, I assumed most people would know about Islam but they don’t. It showed me that we all need to take a step back and try to understand where others are coming from.”