Immigration remains one of the most controversial and divisive topics in the UK, and with the number of people crossing the Channel illegally more than quadrupling over the past four years, it is a subject that will continue to dominate the national debate.

Channel 4 has commissioned from Minnow Films ‘Go Back to Where You Came From’ (w/t). This bold and timely four-part series will set out to challenge how British people feel about asylum seekers and immigration. This unique social experiment is based on the Australian multi-award-winning series and will be adapted for the UK market.

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.

Dropped into contrasting, high-risk locations, they start their journey in Mogadishu in Somalia and Raqqa in Syria, two of the most dangerous cities on earth. How will they cope experiencing the threat of near-by missile strikes, witnessing mass overcrowding of camps, and being up close to those living in devastating poverty?

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

Will these immense and extremely challenging experiences alter their personal views on immigration and create some difficult and controversial conversations amongst the group?

Go Back to Where You Came From (w/t) from will take an unflinching look at the truth of immigration, across the debate. Tackling the issue head on, it will confront, educate, anger, shock and tug at the heartstrings of liberals, the right wing and everyone in-between.

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.”

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 (w/t) 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”.

Line Producer, Sian Atkinson
Production Executive, Justine Faram
Series Director, Guy Simmonds
Shooting Series Producer: Dave Sutton
Series Editor, Nicky Hammond
Executive Producers, Liam Humphreys & Emma Young

Notes to Editors

Awards

Series 1 2012 Rose D’or Golden Rose winner
Series 2 2013 International Emmy winner

Notes to editors:

About Channel 4

Channel 4 exists to create change through entertainment. Publicly owned yet commercially funded, Channel 4 generates significant and sustainable cultural, economic and social impact across the UK – at no cost to the taxpayer.

The broadcaster’s distinctive remit is set by Parliament, and it has a role to represent unheard voices, challenge with purpose and reinvent entertainment. For more than 40 years, it has been a British success story, engaging generation after generation of young people.

With a unique publisher-broadcaster model, Channel 4 commissions its content from the UK independent production sector. Working with hundreds of creative companies every year, Channel 4 makes a major contribution to the local, regional and national economy, creating and supporting thousands of jobs and businesses across the country.

In 2024, Channel 4 launched its Fast Forward strategy to accelerate its transformation into an agile and genuinely digital-first public service streamer by 2030. It is designed to ensure Channel 4 embraces the generational shift in TV viewing, elevates its impact across the UK and stands out in a crowded market.

From its bases in London, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and Glasgow, Channel 4 is fully committed to harnessing the power of its regional structure to increase its impact across the UK. Through its training and development initiative 4Skills is opening up opportunities in broadcasting, with a particular focus on disadvantaged young people and addressing skills gaps across the Nations and Regions. 4Skills invests £5m in training, development and learning opportunities annually and this will double to £10m by 2025.

Channel 4 has the UK’s biggest free streaming service. Through Film4 Productions, Channel 4 also invests in British filmmakers to huge critical acclaim, producing 43 Oscar wins and 97 BAFTA wins in its history.