Rise & Fall has launched on Channel 4 for 2023 – meet the line up of contestants here.
The new reality series is a game about what it takes to get to the top – how to win power, how to keep hold of it and how to use it to influence others.
Hosted by Greg James, 16 ordinary British people, from all walks of life and ages, compete to win up to £100,000.
The cast will begin the game as equals but soon find themselves either in a position of power as a Ruler or as part of the powerless as a Grafter. While the Rulers live in an opulent penthouse, the Grafters must survive in basic conditions in the basement. And much like life, those in power will be responsible for making decisions that affect those who have none.
Rise and Fall begins Sunday night at 9PM on All 4 and Channel 4 and continues at 10PM, Monday to Friday.
Rise & Fall 2023 contestants
Ali
Age: 45
From: Essex
Job: Businessman
Naming Donald Trump as an example of a great leader, Ali says: “The qualities I have that will make me win Rise and Fall are, I’m a great leader, I’m very organised and I can make people do what I want them to do.”
Cheryl
Age: 40
From: Liverpool
Job: Trainee nurse
“I like to bring everyone together, but I also like to do my own thing. I don’t like seeing anyone struggling so I know I’m going to be very compassionate about those scenarios,” says Cheryl. “But I also like to be a winner, so long as things go my way, that’s fine. But that’s not going to happen, is it? It’s a gameshow.”
Connor
Age: 27
From: Kent
Job: Care home manager
Connor says: “To win Rise And Fall I think you have to be outspoken, I’m good at analysing people and I think I’ll be able to sniff out the weaker ones, the fake ones, all the manipulators and I think I’ll be able to sniff out the worst ones… With my charm and sass, I’ll probably work my way right up to the top and win Rise And Fall series one.”
Edmund
Age: 27
From: Devon
Job: Account manager
Edmund says: “I think I have the qualities to win Rise And Fall because I’m more than happy to muck in and do the hard graft, but then also take a step back and organise and lead a team.”
Jack
Age: 28
From: Hertfordshire
Job: Builder
Naming Lionel Messi as a great leader, Jack says: “I’m up for anything and I don’t take it too seriously. I’m a winner. I’m not here to come second or make friends. I’ve got my friends and I play to win. It’s as simple as that so we’ll see what happens.”
James
Age: 26
From: Newport
Job: Employment coach
James – who thinks Beyonce is an example of a great leader – says: “If I win and get to the top, I want to make sure that I win fairly and treat other people fairly, too. A leader needs to lead and not just be a boss.”
Jeff
Age: 69
From: London
Job: Entrepreneur
Jeff says: “The qualities that I believe would give me a fair chance of winning Rise and Fall are my sense of humour and that sense of looking out for those below and giving them a chance, making sure that they can make a mistake, maybe two mistakes, but a third one and they’re out.”
Joanna
Age: 50
From: Suffolk
Job: Interior designer
Joanna says: “I like to rise to any occasion thrown at me. I love a challenge, I’m very energetic so throw anything at me and hopefully, I’ll be capable.”
Marina
Age: 18
From: London
Job: Receptionist
Marina says: “The qualities I have that I think could help me win are that I’m quite sociable and I’ve got good communicative skills to get people on board and supporting me!”
Matt
Age: 32
From: The Midlands
Job: Nurse
Matt says his mother is his role model: “She’s one of the strongest, most empowering women I know. If I could be half the nurse – because she was a nurse as well – and half the parent to my two daughters that she was to me then I’m happy, I’m successful. I’ve achieved in life.”
Prince
Age: 39
From: Hertfordshire
Job: Postal worker
Prince says: “I am very, very disciplined. I’ve got 20 years of martial arts training. I’m very focused when I decide to put my mind to something and I’m a very deep thinker. I don’t follow the crowd. I’m an individual, I’m quite strong minded and I’ve got good willpower.”
Rachel
Age: 27
From: London
Job: Influencer
Rachel says: “The qualities I have that will make me win Rise and Fall are, I’m very observant and I like to be social, but I’m also very competitive. I’m here to win. No one’s going to take my spot, just saying.”
Ramona
Age: 34
From: Born in Germany, raised in London.
Job: CEO
Ramona says: “I’ve worked in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Germany and the UK. I’ve learnt so much. I’ve worked with so many people from different cultures and backgrounds and I can lead people using the knowledge and experience I’ve gained.”
Rishika
Age: 26
From: Birmingham
Job: Communications officer
Rishika says: “The qualities I have are that I’m really outspoken and say what I think and I’m not afraid to take the lead. Also, I’m really empathetic so I’ll take into consideration what other people feel and think.”
Sophie
Age: 21
From: Essex
Job: Politics student
Sophie says Margaret Thatcher is her personal idol: “A lot of people tend to gravitate to me. I’m a natural-born leader, I’m really strong and I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me at all. I think I’ve got it in the bag.”
Sydney
Age: 24
From: West Lothian, Scotland
Job: Delivery driver
Sydney says: “My best quality to help me win the show is that I’m competitive and I don’t like to lose. I can get on with anybody regardless of age, gender and the background they come from.”
Rise & Fall airs on BBC Two from Tuesday, 2 February.
More on: Channel 4
