Exclusive
CANCELLED
Channel 4 scraps ‘hugely expensive flop’ which was supposed to rival hit reality TV rival, The Traitors
CHANNEL 4 have confirmed they're axing hugely expensive reality TV show Rise and Fall, which was mooted as a rival to BBC1's The Traitors.
In a move which will be seen as reflecting the channel's ailing fortunes, it won't be returning for a second series despite it costing millions to make.
8
8
The 18-episode show, hosted by GREG JAMES, came from the same production company as The Traitors, Studio Lambert, and also featured two groups of people in one space competing to get hold of a large cash jackpot.
But after disappointing viewing figures, a huge question has hung over the future of the project ever since it dropped in March of last year.
A TV insider said: "This won't come to a shock to anyone within the TV industry as Rise and Fall is widely considered to be a very costly flop.
"It is one of the most pricey productions Channel 4 have aired in recent years but there were high hopes it might tap into some of the energy of The Traitors which was an instant hit when it aired in 2022.
Read more on Channel 4
"There was a small chance that they might have had another stab at making Rise and Fall a hit, but in the current climate C4 can't justify shelling out millions on a project that is unlikely to get the viewing figures."
Channel 4 has been hard hit by falling ad revenues in recent years and in May had a 4.48% audience share - the worst four-week figure in its 41-year history.
Bosses have axed the civilian version of SAS Who Dares Wins and no longer airs its only soap, Hollyoaks, on the linear channel.
Disappointing daytime show Steph's Packed Lunch was also scrapped.
Most read in News TV
A spokeswoman for Channel 4 said: “Rise and Fall was a great show that we were very proud of and attracted strong audiences, but Channel 4 is all about the new and we want to make space for the next great new reality idea.
"We would like to thank Greg and the talented team who made such a hugely fun and innovative show.”
Channel 4 viewers switch off ‘horrible’ new reality show Rise and Fall after just one episode
DOM: SO HARD TO JACK IT IN
DOMHNALL GLEESON has admitted his latest character in new romance drama Alice & Jack was a hard act to move on from.
He stars alongside Andrea Riseborough in the new six-parter set over a 15-year period and coming soon to Channel 4.
8
It follows the highs and lows of their complicated relationship.
Jack was close to Domhnall’s own personality and the actor said: “This role really amazingly synched up with my life, and how long I’ve known Andrea.
“We kept crossing over every few years over 15 years, washing in and out of each other’s lives.
“I took ten months off after the shoot because I found it really hard to shake off at the end of it, because I’m so similar to Jack in a weird way.”
The drama also stars Aisling Bea and Aimee Lou Wood.
JACK WHITEHALL talks dogs, drinking and family in his new Netflix show Settle Down.
The comedy gig, filmed during a live performance at London’s O2 arena, hits the streaming service today.
Jack said: “This is my most personal show yet. It’s about my struggle to settle down gracefully.”
JOBS ARE UNIFORM FOR TILLIE
NEW Waterloo Road cast member Tillie Amartey is already keen to sink her teeth into something that does not involve a school environment.
She has joined the BBC One drama set in a troubled comprehensive as Stacey “Stace” Neville.
8
Tillie said: “Clearly I’m not opposed to wearing a uniform, as I’ve been Tina Trotts with David Walliams in Ratburger, I did The Teacher with Sheridan Smith and now Stacey in Waterloo Road.
"But I’m at the stage now where I think it would be ideal for me to find a role that maybe doesn’t require me to be in a school uniform so much.
"I’ve got really long legs and I don’t know how long I’ve got left in a school skirt.
“For now, I just keep squeezing into it.”
A LITTLE REALITY
POLICING isn’t quite like it seems on Death In Paradise, according to one new recruit on BBC Three’s Fresh Cops.
The second series, which continues on Thursday, sees Phillippa, 23, followed in her first weeks on the beat.
But after dealing with a dangerous dog and making her first arrest, Phillippa said: “I’d watched police programmes on the telly and I found it really interesting.
"But I was probably watching the programme which is least like what my job is – Death In Paradise.
"Turns out, I’m not on a Caribbean island and it’s nothing like what Ralf Little is doing.”
THE BBC has ann- ounced a new documentary about conjoined sisters Marieme and Ndeye Ndiaye.
Cameras will look into the challenging life of the twins, who moved from Senegal to Cardiff for some ground-breaking treatment, and the family and friends caring for them.
AT OUR WHIT’S END
THERE are more locals run over by vehicles in EastEnders than pints drunk in the Queen Vic.
Could this be the end for Whitney as she is sent flying by a car during dramatic scenes?
8
8
8
Viewers will be left wondering if it is the last they will see of pregnant Whitney, after Shona McGarty, who plays her, announced she is leaving the BBC One Soap.
The drama unfolds when Whitney finds a girl looking for food in bins at the community centre and tries to help her.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
She runs off, followed by Whitney, Bianca, Zack and Sonia.
But then trouble flares up when the group comes across the girl’s drug-addict mum and a violent scuffle breaks out.
8
Topics