Channel 4’s new social experiment sees pairs handcuffed 24/7 – here’s the reason why and the duty of care shown

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Channel 4 put 18 British people to the test in a new experiment: could they survive being chained together with someone they’ve never met before? That’s the challenge these brave individuals have taken on.

A new reality show called Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing will test the limits of nine couples as they compete for a £100,000 prize. The unique challenge? They’re chained together at all times, forced to live and compete inches apart. If any pair chooses to break free, they’re immediately eliminated.

You might think the contestants wouldn’t actually be intimate while handcuffed, or that they’d unlock them when someone needs to use the restroom. However, those assumptions aren’t correct.

Executive producer Tom Clarke explained to TopMob and other media that a key goal from the beginning was to conduct a true experiment.

This meant officers had to be restrained at all times. They couldn’t work 12-hour shifts with 12 hours off. The restraints had to be applied constantly, even during activities like eating, sleeping, and showering. We followed this procedure very strictly.

Clarke shared that he and the show’s team aimed to keep the contestants constantly interacting and connected, emphasizing that the core idea was for them to support each other through all challenges and triumphs.

Throughout the show, the couples visit each other’s homes, trying to understand what life is like for their partner. If they decide they want to end the challenge, keys to unlock their handcuffs are hidden in each location.

Clarke explained that the individuals were always able to leave, but doing so would have left both them and their partner without support, making it a difficult choice.

We provided round-the-clock support, with teams constantly monitoring the participants, even while they slept – which sounds strange, but that’s how dedicated we were. Ultimately, though, how long they chose to participate was up to them, and it was something they had to decide together.

The first episode introduces Sir Benjamin Slade, a baronet from Somerset, and George, a straightforward, former prison officer from London.

As you might imagine, George and Sir Benjamin argue frequently during their difficult relationship. One notable disagreement happens when George discovers a painting by Adolf Hitler in Sir Benjamin’s house, and questions it, but Sir Benjamin dismisses his concerns.

In an interview before the show began, Clarke was questioned about how the show protects its contestants, considering the potential for conflict between them.

As a fan, what I really love about this is how it brings completely different worlds together for some truly fun and entertaining moments. But it’s more than just fun – from the beginning, the creators wanted us to actually learn something too. They’ve built this whole story around the idea of lasting friendships, and honestly, that’s what they were aiming for. It’s an exploration of different worlds, but the core message is so positive – that people from different backgrounds can get along. It’s definitely not just about conflict; it’s about finding common ground and celebrating that.

Clarke pointed out that ‘Handcuffed’ was a large-scale production, bringing people together from all over the country, so ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being was the top priority.

We felt a strong responsibility for everyone’s well-being. We provided extensive support, including round-the-clock monitoring, welfare teams, and readily available psychological support. We took this responsibility very seriously and had a large system in place to ensure it, as Clarke explained to reporters from TopMob and other outlets.

“And obviously we have appropriate after care in place for everybody as well.”

Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing will air on Monday 2 March at 9pm on Channel 4.

Don’t miss “Add Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing”! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app now for daily TV recommendations and exclusive content.

Authors

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

As a total entertainment junkie, I’ve been following Katelyn Mensah’s work for a while now. She’s the Senior Entertainment Writer over at TopMob, and she really has her finger on the pulse of everything – from the big entertainment events to all the latest reality TV drama and those seriously impactful documentaries. Before TopMob, she was writing about reality TV and celebrity news at The Tab, and she’s got a solid journalism background with a BA (Hons) degree to back it all up.

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2026-02-28 04:05