Hunted | Series 8 Preview (Channel 4)

14 ordinary people from all over the UK have turned fugitive. If they can successfully outrun the elite team of hunters for 21 days, they will win a share of £100,000.

On the run across the length and breadth of the UK, these fugitives will be looking over their shoulders, ever fearful that the hunters have picked up their trail.  Leading the investigation from Hunted HQ is former Detective Superintendent of the Thames Valley Police, Ray Howard.

Ray has led many complex investigations. Now he oversees a handpicked team of top police, military personnel and cyber security experts, armed with the powers of the state which includes CCTV, ANPR, Facial Recognition technology, helicopters, surveillance drones, tracker dogs and mobile phone monitoring.

Following an agonizing wait at baggage reclaim, the fugitives eventually race into the arrivals hall in a bid for freedom. The first out and acutely aware of the peril they’re in, are sisters Emma (38) & Jenni (34) who attempt to hitch out of the area; Mother & daughter Saffron (25) & Dionne (55) buy a bus ticket which instantly alerts HQ of their route and final destination; Farmers Andrew (51) & Robin (37) recognize the severity of their predicament and with the hunter helicopter hovering just above their heads wish they’d applied for Bake Off.

Newly engaged sweethearts Cameron (27) & Simran (28), are road-testing their relationship as a modern-day Bonnie & Clyde, but the hunters have other plans for them; Bristolian duo Sean (47) and Marie (43) don disguises and make a speedy getaway by train… Partially sighted Ste (47) and his best mate Chris (46) decide to spend the little money they have to get out of dodge but are recorded on ANPR at the first hurdle.

However, it is Warren (35) & Shaq (31), two brothers-in-law from south London, who find themselves unable to lose the hunters’ crosshairs. Trapped like rats in a carriage on the Stansted Express they are desperate for the train to leave on time as the hunters come hurtling towards the ticket gates…

In the second episode, fugitive Shaq is in his sight and veteran ground hunters Marc Cananur and Steve Bogidi are circling, hungry for another capture. Sisters Emma and Jenni continue their sibling rivalry as they make their way north to seek help from the home network, unaware the hunters are tracking their every move. Sweethearts Cameron and Simran are so in love they don’t hear the hunters’ drone approach while they sip champagne in their rented hot tub.

Hunted returns Sunday 12th October at 9pm on Channel 4.