Channel 4 gives the go ahead for the production of "HMP"

Renowned personalities, such as Sid Owen from Eastenders, comedian and actor Tom Rosenthal, Marcus Luther from Gogglebox, singer HRVY, Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens, and former MP Neil Parish, are set to embark on a captivating journey in a four-part constructed documentary series. In this groundbreaking project, they will willingly subject themselves to an eight-day confinement as prisoners within the decommissioned HMP Shrewsbury, shedding light on the reality of life behind bars.

The six notable participants will share their prison experience alongside reformed ex-criminals who have previously served lengthy sentences for serious offenses. These individuals have willingly chosen to re-enter the prison environment for the purpose of this series. During their time together, the well-known inmates will have the unique opportunity to engage their cellmates in conversations about their experiences in prison, delving into their past crimes, and examining the system's impact on their lives, both positive and negative.

Guiding the project will be a former prison governor with two decades of experience in some of the UK's most challenging correctional facilities, along with former prison officers. The inmates will adhere to the current rules and regulations followed within the UK prison system, ensuring an authentic portrayal of life behind bars.

Alisa Pomeroy said: "This is the sort of television that Shine makes so brilliantly for C4, in the vein of precursors The Island and Hunted. Once again, they've constructed an immersive documentary precinct where real stories play out. We've always wanted to rig a prison with cameras at C4, and this series comes as close as possible, allowing us to explore some of the big questions about the UK prison system and whether it works."

Tim Whitwell said: "For the first time, we have rigged a prison to find out what really happens in the cells after bang up. This series aims to enthral and entertain, whilst kickstarting a national debate about crime and punishment."