The secrets of Channel 4’s Hunted revealed – from the moments that are staged to what bosses ‘force’ players to do

AN apparent crew member from Channel 4’s Hunted has defended the show after it was called out for being ‘staged’.

The hit reality show sees celebrities or ordinary members of the public go on the run, attempting to evade professional hunters.

Channel 4

A former crew member from Hunted has defended the show – claiming it is real[/caption]

Channel 4

The series scenes members of the public go on the run, attempting to avoid being caught by professional hunters[/caption]

But while fans have been gripped to the latest celeb version, one former crew member has seemingly exposed the show.

Taking to a web forum, the unnamed staffer insisted the Channel 4 game isn’t scripted at all and taken seriously by bosses.

However, some elements are ‘faked’ including CCTV and ANPR, according to the former production member.

They explained: “What happens is the crew member that is with the fugitives will report back to production when they use their bank card, drive on a motorway etc, and then production will notify the hunters.

“This is so there’s no wasting police time or anything. CCTV footage used in the show is also normally just a GoPro on a boom pole, as they don’t have access to the real stuff, or the rights to use it.”

A Hunted spokesperson told The Sun: “As is made clear at the top of each programme, we research and accurately replicate the modern powers-of-the-state such as CCTV, ANPR and mobile phone use to ensure Hunted is as authentic as possible.

“All replicated powers are in the public domain. The Fugitives must follow a strict set of rules that are designed to reflect what many real-world fugitives do when on an extended period of being on the run.

“During the hunt there is absolutely no contact between Hunters and Fugitives, and we never interfere to influence the outcome.”

One Hunted fan conceded the show isn’t scripted, but slammed bosses for making the editing look like it’s staged.

They wrote: “Watch the earlier series and you’ll see just how much the editing has changed, they no longer show as much of the detective work.

“In earlier series they mention the CCTV clip of fugitive X was from two days ago so they knew X was in the area, now they make it appear as they are getting CCTV live from private systems.”

However, another poster slammed the show altogether, supposedly revealing what their friend was ‘forced’ to do while taking part.

They said: “The producers continually forced him to do stupid things like go into city centres, or try and get on the radio, with the threats of if he didn’t, just telling the hunters his location.

“He also had to do things like take cash out of cash points a certain number of times, and move on from a safe location within 24 hours.”

Meanwhile, it was recently confirmed Hunted would return for an eight series.

Applications are currently open and bosses are looking for civilian pairs to go on the run.

Hunted is available to stream on Channel 4.