Channel 4 fans call for return of ‘best reality show ever’ after shock cancellation

Reality TV fans have been begging bosses to bring back a groundbreaking series after it was brutally cancelled in 2021

Channel 4 fans call for return of ‘best reality show ever’ after shock cancellation(Image: Channel 4)

Fans of reality TV have been pleading with Channel 4 bosses to revive their “favourite” programme following its shock cancellation.

The Circle was an innovative reality gameshow that placed contestants in individual flats, where they interacted via a specially designed social media platform. Participants could present themselves as anyone, with numerous individuals opting to “catfish” in the hopes of becoming the most liked, and claiming a prize of up to £100,000.

The opening series, broadcast in 2018, was won by 26-year-old internet comedian Alex Hobern, who had competed while pretending to be a 25-year-old woman named Kate, utilising photographs of his actual girlfriend Millie.

Subsequent series were won by Paddy Smyth, who competed as himself, and Natalya Platonova, who decided to participate as “Felix”, a 29-year-old paratrooper. The first and only celebrity version was won by Lady Leshurr, who masqueraded as Big Narstie.

Sophie Willan served as narrator, while Maya Jama and Alice Levine presented the programme. They were subsequently succeeded by Emma Willis, who assumed hosting duties during the second season, reports the Mirror.

Emma Willis hosted The Circle(Image: Channel 4/Rachel Joseph)

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The British version of The Circle was axed by Channel 4 in May 2021, following three civilian series. A representative for the broadcaster stated at the time: “The Circle has been a huge hit for young audiences and has grown successively over three seasons on Channel 4.

“We’re incredibly proud to have worked with Studio Lambert North and Motion Content Group to invest in such an innovative show and to have given it a springboard for its international format success.”

Channel 4 also revealed that they chose not to renew the programme as they were keen to introduce fresh ideas and concepts to the channel.

Now, numerous fans are urging executives to resurrect The Circle in an attempt to compete with the BBC’s popular gameshow, The Traitors.

“Another month, another tweet from super tv asking Channel 4 to just BRING BACK THE CIRCLE,” one individual posted on X (previously known as Twitter). Another chimed in: “Why did they get rid of it, after the Traitors it’s my favourite reality TV show. Quite relevant [in] this day and age too.”

The hit reality series was axed in 2021(Image: Channel 4)

A third commented: “It’s not a want, it’s a need. I miss that show with my whole heart,” while another similarly expressed: “Give us this back!”

A fifth fan echoed these sentiments, stating: “If @Channel4 want a rival to The Traitors, this is it!” with another adding: “This is my fav reality show of all time! I’d love to see it return!”

Over the years, viewers have lavished praise on the reality series, with one IMDb user noting: “I rarely watch reality TV but was very easily hooked by this show.”

Another viewer enthused: “LOVED IT! First reality show I watched from start to end,” while a third admitted: “I was shocked that I loved it! Thought I would hate this show, put it on for background noise on a snow day stuck inside. Ended up hooked after the first episode, watched the whole season in one sitting, and found myself smiling from ear to ear at the end when they announced the winner.”

A fourth fan remarked: “If you’re getting bored with the typical reality TV formats of free-to-air, this one gets you thinking as it uncovers the psychology of who we think we are, how we post, when we filter image, and what emojis to use to deliver the persona we are trying to create online.”

The Circle is available to stream on Channel 4