Essex lorry deaths: Channel 4 postpones Smuggled reality show after 39 bodies found
New series was set to follow British citizens attempting to enter the UK by evading border checks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Channel 4 has postponed the broadcast of its new reality show Smuggled following the discovery of 39 bodies in a lorry in Essex.
The bodies were found in the early hours on 23 October. Police have since confirmed that the eight women and 31 men were Chinese nationals. The vehicle’s 25-year-old driver, Mo Robinson, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Smuggled, a new series in which members of the public attempt to enter the UK by evading border checks, was due to air on Monday 28 October.
The reality show records the journey of eight British citizens as they attempt to enter Britain from a variety of locations around Europe.
Channel 4 said it had commissioned the show when the UK was preparing to “take back control” through Brexit and increase border security.
The promotional material stated: “From boats to lorries, ferries to car boots, all of the contributors attempt routes that have been used by those seeking to enter the country clandestinely or by people traffickers and drug dealers.”
A Channel 4 spokesperson told The Guardian: “In light of the tragic events today, we have postponed the transmission of the series.”