Monday February 3, 2025
Chloe, Bushra, Nathan, Mathilda, Jess and Dave in ‘Go Back to Where You Came From’
London, UK (HOL) — Channel 4’s controversial new series Go Back to Where You Came From sends six British citizens on a journey that mirrors the harrowing paths of refugees fleeing conflict. Among the key destinations is Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu—a city that, for decades, has been shaped by violence, displacement, and resilience.
Participants include Dave, a Nottingham-based chef; Bushra, a small business owner from Surrey; Chloe, a Conservative pundit and GB News regular; Nathan, a haulage business owner; Mathilda, a humanitarian podcaster; and Jess, a sports coach from Wales. They bring diverse views on immigration and are placed in real-life situations meant to test their beliefs.
In Mogadishu, Jess, Nathan, and Mathilda witness firsthand the devastating consequences of prolonged conflict, famine, and climate change. Once a bustling city on the Horn of Africa’s coastline, Mogadishu has struggled to rebuild itself following years of civil war and insurgent attacks by the extremist group Al-Shabaab. Despite security improvements and a construction boom that is transforming its skyline with new apartment buildings and shopping centers, many neighbourhoods remain scarred by violence, and displacement camps across the city host families who fled rural regions now controlled by militants or suffering from environmental disasters.
The participants meet displaced families living in makeshift shelters at a refugee camp on the city’s outskirts. Jess, initially sympathetic, becomes emotional after hearing a mother’s account of losing her son to famine. Nathan, however, remains skeptical about whether leaving is the right choice, suggesting that efforts should be focused on rebuilding within Somalia’s borders.
Their visit to a bustling local market turns tense when they encounter heavily armed guards and a checkpoint manned by local militia. Although the presence of Al-Shabaab looms large in the area, for many residents, life goes on—a testament to the city’s resilience. The participants, however, are visibly shaken, with Mathilda urging caution as tensions flare between Nathan and the locals.
Meanwhile, in Raqqa, Syria, Dave, Bushra, and Chloe confront the aftermath of a brutal regime that displaced millions. They meet a family living in the ruins of their former home and children scavenging through debris. Dave, initially dismissive of asylum seekers, breaks down in tears after hearing the plight of two Syrian brothers and offers to cook a meal for their family—a moment that marks a significant shift in his outlook.
The emotional and ideological clashes among participants are central to the series. Heated arguments often erupt, particularly between Nathan and Mathilda. Nathan’s dismissive remarks about local conditions illustrate the entrenched attitudes the show seeks to challenge, while Mathilda’s advocacy for empathy demonstrates the difficulty of changing minds.
Bushra, one of the more compassionate participants, confronts Chloe about her media-driven rhetoric, calling her a “narcissistic sociopath.” Their exchanges, though tense, reflect the broader societal debate the show aims to ignite.
Channel 4’s senior commissioning editors, Anna Miralis and Madonna Benjamin, described the series as a “bold commission” designed to foster an understanding of the risks asylum seekers face. “We hope this series will contribute to the national conversation on immigration by offering viewers a glimpse into the terrifying challenges refugees endure,” they said.
Yet, the show has not been without its critics. Refugee advocacy groups have labelled it exploitative, with one charity likening it to a reality TV spectacle that trivializes the suffering of displaced people. On the opposite end, right-wing commentators accuse the program of pushing a liberal agenda.
Producers have defended the show, emphasizing that it aims to spark difficult but necessary conversations about immigration. As joint executive producer, Emma Young acknowledged concerns about platforming extreme views but argued that the voices heard reflect real opinions shaping the UK’s political landscape. “We didn’t want the show to be preachy,” she said, adding that the series seeks to foster empathy and more profound understanding through direct engagement.
One controversial moment involves Dave’s suggestion to plant landmines along Dover’s beaches to deter small boats, an incendiary comment that highlights the polarizing nature of the participants’ views. However, executive producer Liam Humphreys defended such moments, stating that allowing these views to be aired openly is crucial to challenging them constructively. Channel 4’s head of documentaries, Alisa Pomeroy, agreed, stressing that suppressing these opinions could drive them online, where they could fuel further division and violence.
The production itself involved significant logistical challenges, with shifting geopolitics affecting filming locations. Participants experienced orchestrated scenarios designed to replicate the dangers faced by refugees, such as a staged boat crossing where the engine was intentionally cut to simulate distress. Although initially angry, the participants later acknowledged the immersive experience helped them empathize more deeply.
The impact of Go Back to Where You Came From in altering perceptions remains to be seen. As the series progresses, viewers will witness whether empathy can break through deeply ingrained biases or if the divide will only deepen.
