A controversial new Channel 4 series set to challenge perceptions on immigration and asylum seekers premiered on February 3. The four-part series, called Go Back to Where You Came From, will immerse six Brits who hold strong views on immigration, including a TikToker and a GB News commentator, directly with refugees and migrants.
The group begins their compelling yet harrowing adventure in Mogadishu, Somalia, and Raqqa, Syria, before traversing perilous migrant routes through Africa, the Middle East, and Europe en route to the UK. The series synopsis states: "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 and moving to the homelands these refugees are desperate to leave.
Despite criticisms of insensitivity from Amnesty International, Channel 4 defended the series as 'bold' and noted the success of its Australian counterpart which has been integrated as part of the national curriculum there.
Each participant brings their distinct identity and viewpoints about immigration. Dave Marshall, 35, who previously expressed extremist views such as wanting the Royal Navy to "set up landmines to blow up small boats," now reflects on the transformative experience as he admits, "This show is very powerful. I think it will bring people together massively."
The chef and TikTok sensation, originally from Nottingham, revealed he did not have a passport until he was 30, making this venture one of his rare overseas experiences. He described the series as a chance to connect with the reality of those fleeing violence and poverty, saying, "I had views, and lots of views were tested; it opened my eyes."
Chloe Dobbs, 24, another participant and GB News regular, noted she was shocked at the poverty level she witnessed, particularly during their segment filming in Syria where she commented, "People were still fleeing because the poverty was off the scale."
Nathan Rimmington, 32, who operates a haulage business, expressed outrage upon seeing the living conditions of children affected by war in Mogadishu. "My son's biggest worry is whether he's got enough coins to buy stuff in his games," he reflected.
Jess, 33, from Wales, had previously been involved in protests against housing refugees at the Stradey Park Hotel but wanted to experience the issue from other perspectives. Mathilda Mallinson, 29, works as both a podcaster and volunteer at refugee camps, and Bushra Shaikh, 42, brings her perspective as both a business owner and former candidate on BBC's The Apprentice.
Reflecting on her experience, Shaikh noted the ignorance around immigration narratives, stating, "There’s a lot of ignorance out there, most stemming from lack of education and resources... We need to learn from each other."
The producing team, headed by Channel 4's senior commissioning editors Anna Miralis and Madonna Benjamin, emphasized the show's intent: "This is extremely bold and tackles highly relevant subject matter... It's likely to create intense debate about immigration — something Britain has grappled with for decades."
While Channel 4 has put this series forward as part of their commitment to challenging conversations, viewer reactions are pending. Some might welcome the opportunity for dialogue, but the potential for backlash and increased polarization cannot be understated.
Overall, as the series progresses, audiences will be invited to engage with perspectives and stories often missing from mainstream narratives around immigration and asylum. Go Back to Where You Came From airs on Channel 4 on February 3, at 9pm, encouraging public reflection on the often-unseen struggles faced by migrants.