THERE is a mystery surrounding the new series of Hunted after fans have been left wondering why a star is missing from the new series – with no explanation.
A brand new civilian edition of Hunted started this week on Channel 4, after nearly a year off air.
Hunted has returned to Channel 4 – but someone is missing[/caption]
Ray Howard AKA The Chief is back to head up the team[/caption]
Georgina Bradley is Head of Ops at Hunted HQ and also back on the team[/caption]
However, when season eight kicked off on Sunday night there was somebody noticeably absent from the show.
The Channel 4 gameshow sees the contestants, known as the Fugitives, trying evade being caught by the Hunters, who are a handpicked team of top police and military personnel.
The Hunters who have returned to the show are Ray Howard who is the Chief Hunter at Hunted HQ, and former police detective Georgina Bradley, who is the Head of Ops at Hunted HQ.
However, they are usually supported by Dr Steve Hersee, who was known for being the Head of Intelligence.
But, without any explanation, he has been replaced on the show.
Fans noticed he was missing from the line-up and took to social media to find out why he is no longer part of the team.
One fan said: “Where is Steve?!”
Another added: “Have I missed something? No Dr Steve anymore?”
A third commented: “I just want to know what happened to dr Steve!”
Although there has been no explanation given as to why Dr Steve has left Hunted, his role is in good hands.
The new Head of Intelligence is former Fugitive, Abi Barrett, who appeared on the show as a contestant in 2022.
She comes with a strong background in the field having been in the military for seven years.
Speaking about landing the job as a Hunter, Abi told Channel 4: “I’ve been out the military for about a year now, so it was good fun getting to apply those skills and expertise once again, albeit this time in a slightly less lethal manner.
“The best part however, was getting to work with the talented individuals both behind and in front of the camera.
Fans what to know why Dr Steve has left the Hunted team[/caption]
“Everyone involved was evidently at the top of their game, and when such high performers come together to achieve a goal, it’s unbelievably satisfying and good fun too.”
Meanwhile, Hunted fans were thrilled when the show returned with a new series.
The programme last aired in March 2024, but returned Sunday night with seven pairs of Fugitives once again trying their best to escape the Hunters and go on the run undetected.
They are hoping to get to the extraction point without being caught and in turn bag the £100k prize pot.
Hunted season 8 cast
- Emma (38) & Jenni (34) – sisters
- Saffron (25) & Dionne (55) – mother and daughter.
- Andrew (51) & Robin (37) – friends
- Cameron (27) & Simran (28) – couple
- Sean (47) and Marie (43) – married
- Ste (47) and Chris (46) – best mates
- Warren (35) & Shaq (31) – brothers-in-law
The show is airing on Sunday and Monday nights.
Channel 4 have seen an increased focus on the celeb spin-off in recent years but they will now be putting the regular edition back front and centre to mark 10 years on the air.
Stars such as Denise Welch, Christine McGuinness and Duncan James took part in the latest series.
They were joined by soap sirens in the form of EastEnders legend Danielle Harold and recurring Coronation Street cast member Kimberley Hart-Simpson.
A new edition of Celebrity Hunted has also been recorded and is set to air next year.
Former EastEnders star Brian Conley and his daughter Lucy will be on the show as well as Love Island hunks Chris Taylor and Toby Aromolaran.
Scarlette Douglas and her brother Stuart — hosts of Channel 4’s Worst House On The Street are also on the cast alongside Strictly stars, Carlos Gu and Amy Dowden.
Hunted continues on Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4.
