The Inheritance: Channel 4 reality game show starring Liz Hurley and Rob Rinder 'set to be axed' after just one series
Channel 4 reality game show The Inheritance is reportedly set to be axed after just one series on air.
The series, which first hit screens in late August, followed thirteen players bidding to inherit a fortune from the mysterious Deceased, played by actress Liz Hurley. The show was hosted by the ‘executor’ Rob Rinder.
However, despite a huge push from Channel 4 for the show, The Inheritance earned less than impressive viewing figures, garnering one of the lowest reality debuts for the channel with around 540,000 viewers.
Channel 4 would have been hoping for better success for the show, which was created by the studio behind reality competition mega hit The Traitors. The series was filmed at Somerley House, which has also featured in The Crown.
The Sun has now reported that The Inheritance has been spent, with the show said to be shelved after a disappointing reception. A source told the newspaper: “The Inheritance has been widely viewed as a flop, despite all the publicity and having a big star at its heart.
“Channel 4 maintains no decision has been made on its future, but many people involved in the debut series are working on the basis that it isn’t returning. Of course there may be some huge changes of mind and the show enjoys a stay of execution, but all the signs are that this is another expensive flop and they’re likely to quit while they’re behind.”
Reviews from viewers were lukewarm when the series hit screens in late August. One viewer labelled the show “a stale copy of The Traitors”, while another added: “There is nothing original in the show and whilst I love Traitors and Destination X, this is awful.”
The first series of The Inheritance was won by 28-year-old Yorkshire scaffolder Cam, who won the final vote amongst the contestants to be selected as the Prime Beneficiary and walk away with £100,000 from the estate. He chose to share his prize pot with fellow contestants Emma, Hafsah, Hannah and Jesse, saying following his win: “I’ve had debt hanging over my head for years, I can’t describe the feeling of a fresh start. My dad taught me integrity and in that strong room it is literally a battle between your head and your heart. To be able to change the lives of four other people too, I am so happy and proud.”