19 March 2023 , 22:51
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Viewers of Rise and Fall have shared their displeasure after a controversial contestant was revealed.
The new Channel 4 series, hosted by Greg James, sees 16 ordinary people compete to rise to a position of power and bag a £100k prize.
The series, which got underway on Sunday evening, is from the producers of The Traitors, and has immediately got viewers talking.
However, while some praised the first episode, others quickly shared their discontent at the decision to choose one of the contestants.
Sophie Corcoran, an outspoken political pundit, was introduced on the show and Twitter users immediately criticised the choice.
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One user slammed: "Sorry @gregjames...I can't get into #riseandfall because of the awful casting decision of Sophie Corcoran."
Not everyone is impressed by Sophie's inclusion in the show (Channel 4 / Simon Webb)Another agreed, questioning: "Wait why is Sophie Corcoran in this? #RiseAndFall."
A third said: "Why is far-right @GBNEWS commentator Sophie Corcoran a contestant on #RiseandFall?"
And a fourth added: "Was looking forward to watching #RiseandFall on Channel 4 until discovering the truly awful right wing troll Sophie Corcoran is one of the participants."
Another admitted they'd still watch the show, but were looking forward to the "fall" of the controversial character.
Earlier in the day, presenter Greg told Metro she was already causing controversy on the show, but defended her inclusion.
He said: "‘I don’t have anything to do with who’s picked for the show, the producers want to pick as many different people from different backgrounds with different views as possible.
Presenter Greg James says she'll be treated like anyone else (PA)"They want to create a show which gets people talking and is entertaining. Having lots of different viewpoints is really important on shows like this I guess.
"You know it’s not like we’re getting Sophie to host Channel 4 News. She is a reality TV contestant and she’ll be treated like everybody else."
The official synopsis for the programme says it "involves 16 ordinary British people who begin the game as equals".
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It adds: "They soon find themselves either in a position of power as a Ruler or as part of the powerless as a Grafter.
"While the Rulers live in an opulent penthouse, the Grafters must survive in basic conditions in the basement.
"Anyone can rise to a position of power and anyone can fall, but only one Ruler can win the prize fund at the end of the game."