Rise and Fall (TV series)

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Rise and Fall
Rise and Fall (TV series).jpg
Genre
Presented by Greg James
Voices of Emma Clarke as The Lift
Theme music composerPatrizio Knight
ComposerPatrizio Knight
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series1
No. of episodes18 [1]
Production
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time60 minutes
Production company Studio Lambert [1]
Original release
Network Channel 4
Release19 March (2023-03-19) 
13 April 2023 (2023-04-13)

Rise and Fall is a British reality television series broadcast on Channel 4, which premiered on 19 March 2023 and was hosted by Greg James.

Contents

Sixteen contestants divided themselves into the "Rulers" and the "Grafters". While the Rulers lived in a luxury penthouse making the decisions, the Grafters lived in the basement, carrying out tasks to win money for the prize pot. In each episode, the Rulers voted on one of their number to be eliminated from the game and one (or more) of the Grafters had a chance to move up to the penthouse to join them. The winner was chosen from the Rulers at the end of the series to win the prize pot of up to £100,000. [2]

The first episode was broadcast at 9pm on Sunday 19 March 2023; [3] subsequently episodes were broadcast at 10pm on weekday evenings before being available for streaming on All 4. [2]

Format

Sixteen contestants arrive at a building in central London and, after briefly getting to know one another, have to decide amongst themselves who becomes a "Ruler" and who remains as a "Grafter". [4] Rulers take the lift to a luxury penthouse, while the Grafters remain in the no-frills basement. The series winner will be eventually chosen from the Rulers to win the prize pot of up to £100,000.

The Rulers are responsible for making decisions about how to get the best from the Grafters, who complete tasks to make money for the prize pot. Two Rulers also face an additional challenge to pick four Grafters to do overtime, motivating their teams by each setting a production target in the overtime task. [5]

At the end of each second episode, the Rulers have to vote on which ruler leaves the game. One or more of the Grafters then has a chance to join the Rulers and move to the penthouse. New "Grafters" regularly join the Basement as the series goes on, to make up the numbers.

Production

Channel 4 ordered Rise and Fall from production company, Studio Lambert, in August 2022. [1] An application was made in November 2022 to film the series at Southbank Tower in central London, but filming eventually took place in London's 1927 55 Broadway tower. [6]

Presenter Greg James made a telephone call to The Traitors' presenter, Claudia Winkleman, for advice about how to approach the presentation of the series. [7]

During the series, contestants were filmed 24 hours a day. [7]

The soundtrack for the series was composed by Patrizio Knight, who had previously worked on Studio Lambert franchise The Circle . [8] Voice-over artist Emma Clarke provided the voice of The Lift. [9]

In June 2023 Channel 4 announced they were considering axing a second series, citing the cost of filming, mistakes made filming with a fast turnaround and the show's lack of success in comparison with BBC's The Traitors. [10] This was confirmed in January 2024. [11]

Contestants

Rise and Fall contestants
ContestantAgeHometownOccupationEnteredExitedStatus
Eddy Fulford27 Devon Account manager, from an aristocratic familyEpisode 1Episode 18Winner
Sydney Nicholson24 West Lothian Delivery driver and studentEpisode 1Episode 18Runner-up
Matt Tacey32 Midlands NurseEpisode 1Episode 183rd Place
Moses Ldn24 London Physical trainerEpisode 5 [12] Episode 184th Place
Ramona Shabla34 London Chief executive of hospitality and technology businessesEpisode 1Episode 25th Place
Episode 9Episode 18
Rossi Woods39 Shipdham TikTok starEpisode 2 [13] Episode 186th Place
Rachel Salvador27 London Social media influencerEpisode 1Episode 18Finished in basement
Connor Fisher27 Kent Working with the elderly and disabledEpisode 1Episode 18Finished in basement
Sam Larbi30 London Software engineerEpisode 12 [14] Episode 18Finished in basement
Isaak Dalglish24 Standish Paralympic badminton playerEpisode 5 [15] Episode 17Eliminated
Sophie Corcoran21 Essex Student and member of the Young Conservatives. GB News commentator. [7] Episode 1Episode 16Eliminated
Joas Neto38 London (originally Brazil)PR researcherEpisode 12 [14] Episode 14 [16] Ejected
Jack Woods28 Hertfordshire Construction worker and semi-professional footballerEpisode 1Episode 14Eliminated
James Allen26 Newport (Wales)Employment coachEpisode 1Episode 12Eliminated
Jeff Salmon 69 London Art dealer and businessman, an expert on the TV programme Four Rooms .Episode 1Episode 12Eliminated
Cheryl Roberts40 Liverpool Student and former support workerEpisode 1Episode 10Eliminated
Joanna Henderson50 Suffolk Interior designerEpisode 1Episode 9Walked
Marina Pownall18 London Aspiring actorEpisode 1Episode 8Eliminated
Rishika Bhalla26 Birmingham Running a charityEpisode 1Episode 6Eliminated
Prince Sho39 Hertfordshire, originally from Sierra Leone Postal workerEpisode 1Episode 4Eliminated
Ali Melin45 Essex Restaurant owner and businessmanEpisode 1Episode 1Walked

Sixteen contestants initially entered the building: [2] [3]

Ali left in episode 1, after finding out he was to become a Grafter. [17]

Joanna left the show in episode 9 on medical grounds, after suffering a trapped nerve in her arm. [16]

Ramona, who had been the first Ruler to be voted out of the game in the first few days of the show, re-entered the game as a Grafter in episode 9. [18]

In episode 13, after walking away from the show, Connor rejoined the show as a Grafter the morning after his departure. [19]

Joas was ejected from the show in episode 14, after throwing a glass of water over Sophie during an argument. [16]

Episodes

Six episodes were broadcast in the first week Sunday 19 March to Friday 24 March. These would be followed by four shows a week, at 10pm Monday to Thursday, for a further three weeks; [20] there will be 18 episodes in total. [21]

The final would be broadcast on Thursday 13 April. [16]

The Final

For the final, all the previous eliminated Rulers returned to the programme to take part with the remaining Grafters. [22]

Six rulers were in the penthouse for the final: Ramona, Rossi, Eddy, Moses, Sydney and Matt. Rossi was the first to lose his place, following a task which involved the other contestants becoming 'bricklayers'. [23] Each ruler chose someone to work for them, filling six boxes with coloured bricks. Rossi lost by one brick. [24]

The remaining five rulers gradually eliminated one another from the game. Ramona was voted out next, but in a surprise twist found she had the power to vote out the next Ruler. She chose Moses, who was then given the power to choose who came third. He chose Matt. [24] Eddy and Sydney were left as the final two. Ramona, Moses and Matt had to decide between them who deserved to be the winner. They chose Eddy, who walked away with the £85,610 prize pot. [23]

Voting history

Votes took place amongst the Rulers in every other episode, to decide which one of them would leave the game.

Episode1/23/45/67/89/1011/1213/1415/1617/1818
Ruler
Voted out
RamonaPrinceRishikaRachelMarinaCherylMattJeff,
James
JackSophieIsaakRamonaMosesMattnone
Vote3-2-13-3 [a] 3-2-1Connor's
Choice
2-2-1 [b] 4-2Rossi's
Choice
3-3Grafter's
Choice
3-25-1-13-1-1Ramona's
Choice
Moses'
Choice
Nominated
Grafters
Marina,
Connor
James,
Jeff
Connor,
Jeff
noneJack, Jeff,
Sydney
Moses,
Rossi [c]
noneSydney,
Sophie
Eddy, Sophie,
Isaak
Isaak, Ramona,
Matt
none
EddyIn
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
Rossi [d] IsaakMosesNo
vote
No
vote
Winner
(Episode 18)
SydneyIn
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
In
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
No
vote
SophieIsaakRamonaRunner-up
(Episode 18)
MattRamonaPrinceRachelNo
vote
MarinaConnorDemoted
(Episode 11)
In
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
Isaak [e] RamonaThird place
(Episode 18)
MosesNot in
Game
In
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
No
vote
JamesNo
vote
SophieIsaakRamonaMatt [f] Fourth place
(Episode 18)
RamonaRachelEliminated
(Episode 2)
Returned
(Episode 9)
In
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
MattMattMoses [f] Fifth place
(Episode 18)
RossiNot in
Game
In
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
Matt
to Demote
JeffNo
vote
SophieIsaakSixth place
(Episode 18)
IsaakNot in
Game
In
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
Nominated
to Rise
RossiEliminated
(Episode 17)
SamNot in
Game
In
Basement
Eliminated
(Episode 17)
ConnorNominated
to Rise
In
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
Rachel
to Demote
Matt
Marina
CherylNo
vote
JamesReturned to
Basement
In
Basement
Eliminated
(Episode 17)
RachelRamonaCherylMarinaDemoted
(Episode 7)
In
Basement
Eliminated
(Episode 17)
SophieIn
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
Nominated
to Rise
Rossi [d] Eliminated
(Episode 16)
JoasNot in
Game
In
Basement
Ejected [25]
(Episode 14)
JackIn
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
CherylNo
vote
JeffNo
vote
Eliminated
(Episode 14)
JamesIn
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
RishikaNo
vote
MarinaCherylNo
vote
JeffEliminated
(Episode 12)
JeffIn
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
Nominated
to Rise
In
Basement
Nominated
to Rise
CherylNo
vote
JamesEliminated
(Episode 12)
CherylRachelPrinceRishikaNo
vote
JamesConnorEliminated
(Episode 10)
JoannaIn
Basement
Walked
(Episode 9)
MarinaNominated
to Rise
PrinceRishikaNo
vote
MattEliminated
(Episode 8)
RishikaRamonaCherylMarinaEliminated
(Episode 6)
PrinceCherylCherylEliminated
(Episode 4)
AliIn
Basement
Walked
(Episode 1)

Key

  Remained in the basement.
  Nominated to go up to the penthouse.
  Was asked to go down to the basement.
  As the new Ruler, the contestant could not be voted for but could still vote. Received the casting voteChanged vote
  Received the chance to pick who was to fall to the basement.
  Did not receive a vote due to vote being given to one person only.

Notes

  1. As the new ruler, Marina decided which contestant to eliminate.
  2. As the new ruler, Connor decided which contestant to eliminate.
  3. Rossi and Sydney tied for second in the rise vote. As the person with the most rise votes Moses got to decide who would go up with him. He chose Rossi.
  4. 1 2 Eddy and Sophie, despite being new rulers, were not immune in the elimination vote.
  5. Matt became the last Grafter to rise by cleaning the most plates in the final work shift.
  6. 1 2 Following Ramona's elimination, she joined the Board and had to choose one Ruler to eliminate and join her. She chose Moses, who then chose Matt to also sit on the Board. The three Board members had to collectively decide who would win.

Critical reception

The Guardian reviewer described the series as "The Apprentice Traitors Big Brother" and gave 3 out of 5 stars, concluding that "so far there are no revealing interactions between the proles and the blinged-up bosses, nothing to compete with the psychological subtlety and strain of The Traitors’ extended bluffs. Beneath that shiny veneer of newness is an old-fashioned, backstabbing bunfight between unlikable people – entertaining, yes, but business as usual." [26]

The reviewer from The Telegraph described Rise and Fall as "The Traitors’ garish little cousin", adding that "contestants in the The Traitors had to do mean things but it was always just a game; here, you suspect that some of them just aren’t very nice people." The Telegraph gave the show 2 out of 5 marks. [27]

The Lancashire Post concluded that Rise and Fall was "not immediately gripping, but as time goes by the dynamic becomes more and more fascinating, and especially after this week, you can’t help hoping for a revolution". [28]

At the end of the first week, The Observer described Rise and Fall as trying to be "a primetime TV treatise on capitalism and power". It criticised it for too many of the contestants being "hyper-camera-aware wannabes" and the tasks as "Torture TV" that would put off families from watching. [29]

After the end of the second week, The Tab highlighted the lack of diversity amongst the Rulers, suggesting that 'unconscious bias' was having an effect. All four ethnic minority rulers had been voted out, followed by the remaining two women, leaving all six rulers as white men. The Tab concluded that "the show right now has a real problem and looks questionable". [30]

International versions

It was revealed in July 2023 that TVN Warner Bros. Discovery Group had obtained the rights to the Rise and Fall format [31] and Constantin Entertainment Polska had begun looking for contestants for a Polish version of the show, called Na szczyt (meaning To the Top). [32]

In September 2025 an Indian version began streaming on MX Player hosted by Ashneer Grover. [33]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Channel 4 order Rise and Fall". Studio Lambert. August 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Clinton, Jane (20 March 2023). "Rise and Fall cast: Full list of contestants for the new Greg James series on Channel 4 and when it's next on". i . London. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  3. 1 2 Jade, Kayleigh (19 March 2023). "Rise & Fall cast: Meet the line up of contestants on Channel 4 show". Tellymix. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  4. Shillcock, Franscesca (20 March 2023). "Rise and Fall viewers left seriously divided after episode one and major cliffhanger". Hello! . Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  5. "Rise & Fall - Episode 2 Preview (Channel 4)". TV Zone. 22 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  6. Moreland, Alex (20 March 2023). "Rise and Fall filming locations: where is the Channel 4 reality series set - where is 55 Broadway tower?". National World . Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 Amin, Meghna (19 March 2023). "Greg James on the Rise and Fall contestant already causing controversy, his secret call with Claudia Winkleman, and why he's bored of celebs". Metro . Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  8. "Patrizio Knight - Contact Info, Agent, Manager | IMDbPro". pro.imdb.com. Retrieved 14 April 2023.(subscription required)
  9. Clarke, Emma (19 March 2023). "*DING* I have 'big project' news..." Emma Clarke. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
  10. "Channel 4 set to cancel hit show after 'mistakes made in filming'". Liverpool Echo . 7 June 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
  11. Bashforth, Emily (28 January 2024). "Channel 4 axes controversial reality show after just one series". Metro . Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  12. Wilkes, Neil (23 March 2023). "Pictures: Two new Grafters join Rise and Fall tonight". Media Mole. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  13. Wolstenholme, Kate (21 March 2023). "Channel 4 Rise and Fall features TikTok star Rossi Woods". Eastern Daily Press . Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  14. 1 2 Debnath, Neela (3 April 2023). "Meet Rise and Fall's new Grafters Sam and Joas". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  15. Clarke, Gaynor (24 March 2023). "Wigan Paralympian Isaak Dalglish puts down his badminton racquet to join Channel 4 series Rise and Fall". Wigan Today . Wigan . Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Ross, Steven (7 April 2023). "Rise and Fall finale: when is last episode of Channel 4 game show on TV - who is left in the cast?". NationalWorld. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  17. "Why did Ali leave Rise and Fall? Contestant makes shock exit". Radio Times.
  18. Wilkes, Neil (29 March 2023). "Former Ruler to make shock return in tonight's Rise and Fall". Media Mole. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  19. "Rise and Fall - Series 1: Episode 13 | All 4". www.channel4.com. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  20. Morris, Lauren (19 March 2023). "When is Rise and Fall next on Channel 4?". Radio Times. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  21. Anderson, Hayley (29 March 2023). "Rise and Fall's episode schedule has had a shake-up on Channel 4". Express.co.uk.
  22. Cremona, Patrick (13 April 2023). "Who won Rise and Fall? Eddy crowned winner by fellow contestants". Radio Times . Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  23. 1 2 Akinwumi, Stella (13 April 2023). "Rise and Fall star Eddy crowned winner after intense finale: 'I think I need a pint of champagne'". Metro. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  24. 1 2 Sarrubba, Stefania (13 April 2023). "Rise and Fall announces winner after shock finale twists". Digital Spy. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
  25. "Rise and Fall: Joas kicked off Channel 4 show after throwing water over Sophie". Devon Live. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  26. Seale, Jack (19 March 2023). "Rise and Fall review – it's The Traitors meets The Apprentice!". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  27. Singh, Anita (19 March 2023). "Rise & Fall, Channel 4, review: The Traitors' garish little cousin is cruelty television". The Telegraph . London. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  28. Cunnington, JPhilip (24 March 2023). "Rise and Fall review: Channel 4's new reality game show - and events in Parliament - leave you hoping for a revolution". Lancashire Post . Lancashire . Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  29. "The week in TV: Rise and Fall; Outlast; Yellowjackets; Phoenix Rise; Agent Elvis – review". The Observer . London. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  30. Brocklehurst, Harrison (31 March 2023). "'Started with four people of colour, now it's six white men': Rise and Fall has a problem". The Tab . Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  31. "To eksperyment społeczny. TVN WBD stworzy polskie "Rise and Fall". Władza i pieniądze". Press.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  32. "Producent "Naszego nowego domu" szykuje nowy reality-show". www.wirtualnemedia.pl (in Polish). 17 July 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  33. "Rise and Fall Contestants list: Pawan Singh, Arjun Bijlani, Dhanashree Verma join Ashneer Grover hosted reality show". The Times of India. 6 September 2025. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 7 September 2025.