New TV show will see Brits sent to Syria and Somalia to face ‘perilous journey’ back to UK that refugees face

Channel 4 has commissioned from Minnow Films a new four-part television show which will be called ‘Go Back to Where You Came From’. It has been created to challenge how British people feel about asylum seekers and immigration, according to the broadcaster. It is based on the Australian multi-award-winning series and has been adapted for the UK market.

In a statement put out about the upcoming programme, Channel 4 said the show will include an opinionated group of six Brits who have views across the immigration argument. They will experience the reality of the perilous journeys refugees and migrants make to the UK. Starting on UK borders, contributors will first travel to the homelands that refugees are so desperate to leave.

They’ll then be dropped into contrasting, high-risk locations of Mogadishu in Somalia and Raqqa in Syria - which are two of the most dangerous cities on earth - and begin their journey. The show aims to show how they cope when experiencing the threat of near-by missile strikes, witnessing mass overcrowding of camps, and being up close to those living in devastating poverty.

The Brits will travel to countries on migrant routes through Africa, the Middle East and Europe into the UK, facing scenarios and experiences which mean their views will be continually challenged. They will have to trek through the African desert, climb over border crossings through mountain ranges, and experience first-hand the terror of small boat crossings.

Senior Commissioning Editors Anna Miralis and Madonna Benjamin said: “This is an extremely bold commission that continues to reinforce the Channel’s commitment to tackle difficult and highly relevant subject matter. It is hoped that this will offer up an opportunity for the British public to help understand some of the terrifying perils asylum seekers face when they attempt to travel to the UK. The adaptation of this multi- award -winning Australian format will be thoughtful and impactful and is likely to create an intense debate about an issue that Britain has grappled with for decades.”

‘Go Back to Where You Came From’ from will take an unflinching look at the truth of immigration, across the debate, according to Channel 4. It will tackle the issue head on, they add, and it will confront, educate, anger, shock everyone. Viewers can also expect some controversial conversations among those taking part.

Liam Humphreys said, "We are thrilled to be working with C4 on this audacious and ground-breaking idea which will provide a unique and compelling perspective on the plight and flight of asylum seekers. Go Back To Where You Came From is a perfect illustration of how a controversial and thought-provoking format can, through a very human focus, challenge preconceptions and ignite the national debate".