The new series of Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted, set to premiere on August 3 at 9 p.m., features a diverse group of celebrities attempting to evade capture over two weeks in a nationwide manhunt. The show, produced to support Stand Up To Cancer, combines high-stakes pursuit with moments of levity, as participants employ disguises, charm, and strategic planning to avoid detection.
Among the contestants are comedians Jen Brister and Laura Smyth, who injected humor into their time on the run despite receiving a reprimand from producers for their excessive drinking. Smyth suggested the possibility of a risqué spin-off focusing on their rosé-fueled antics. Their experience reflected a carefree, holiday-like atmosphere atypical for the show’s usual tense tone.
Veteran entertainer Brian Conley, alongside his daughter Lucy, benefited from the support of well-known friends including Joe Pasquale, Gloria Hunniford, Jason Manford, and Gok Wan. Their efforts to remain undetected involved hiding in unconventional locations, such as numerous toilets, and utilizing disguises to make a getaway to Stansted Airport. However, logistical challenges arose when they had to evade hunters while at the airport without notifying Pasquale, who was waiting nearby and incurred repeated parking fees due to the prolonged escape. Additionally, they narrowly avoided discovery during a visit to Hunniford’s home, despite her attempts to offer dinner and inform them of an encouraging phone call from Cliff Richard.
In a bold move to blend in, Conley and Lucy donned costumes as the characters Kevin and Perry—created by Harry Enfield and Kathy Burke—during a rave event in Cambridge hosted by Gok Wan. The group also utilized a tour van borrowed from comedian Jason Manford during their escape.
The series also features Strictly Come Dancing professionals Amy Dowden and Carlos Gu. Dowden noted that while she possessed speed as a runner, Gu's flamboyant fashion choices made it difficult to stay inconspicuous. Gu defended his style, stating that if he were caught, he preferred to do so with flair.
Reality television personalities Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran approached the hunt with tactics honed on Love Island, using charm and charisma to ingratiate themselves with the public and avoid suspicion. Taylor described their approach as a “pure charm offensive,” while Aromolaran likened their strategy to a Venus Flytrap, drawing others in with their celebrity connections before securing rides and assistance.
Other participants on the run include presenters JJ Chalmers and Sophie Morgan, as well as property experts Scarlette and Stuart Douglas. The new season promises a blend of suspense, humor, and celebrity camaraderie as participants navigate a high-profile game of hide-and-seek across the UK.