Jonathan Ross’ Spooky TV Series ‘Haunted Homecoming’ Canceled After One Season
Jonathan Ross, the well-known TV presenter and self-proclaimed horror enthusiast, has seen his latest paranormal venture, Haunted Homecoming, come to an abrupt end after just one season. The show, which explored the eerie history of East London, was set to air on Discovery+ in 2024. However, it has now been officially scrapped after only two episodes.
The series aimed to take Ross back to his childhood haunts in London’s East End, where he delved into local ghost stories and sought evidence of paranormal activity. According to the channel’s synopsis, the show would offer a chilling trip down memory lane, combining Ross’ personal connection to the area with his fascination for the supernatural.
Despite its intriguing premise, the series failed to secure a second season. Ross himself spoke about the decision, stating that he wouldn’t pursue another ghost-hunting project because they couldn’t find any real evidence. He also mentioned that he wasn’t interested in faking fear, as the network had requested.
“I’m not going to say there aren’t ghosts, but I’m not the sort of person who’s going to fake being scared,” Ross said. “They said they didn’t want me to be like that.”
During the show, Ross was joined by paranormal investigator Dr. Kate Cherrel and psychic Ian Lawman. The first episode, Hitchcock & the Pool of Death, focused on Epping Forest and a nearby hotel, while the second, The Ghost in the Cellar, looked into paranormal activity at a school.
The series was produced by North One, and it marked a departure from Ross’ more recent work. In addition to Haunted Homecoming, he has appeared on Channel 4’s Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing and was a contestant on BBC One’s The Celebrity Traitors.
The Future of Handcuffed
While Haunted Homecoming has been canceled, the future of Handcuffed looks promising. The reality show, which saw eight pairs of strangers locked together for weeks, stunned viewers when it aired in March. The participants were given a £100,000 prize if they could outlast their partners.
A source told The Sun’s TVBiz column that there is strong interest in a second season, including a potential celebrity version. “There are plenty of stars out there who have very contrasting views with other stars, and the prospect of them being stuck with one another is just delicious,” the source said.
The first season of Handcuffed was won by conservative housewife Charlie and adult content creator Rob. Other notable pairings included a plus-size model and a gym-lover, as well as a cleaner and a self-made millionaire. One of the most infamous pairings was Sir Ben Slade and former prison officer George, whose partnership lasted only 12 hours and 47 minutes.
Ross made his return to Channel 4 with Handcuffed, marking a significant moment in his career. He previously worked with the broadcaster in the 1980s, hosting The Last Resort in 1987.
At the time of the show’s announcement, Ross expressed hope that it would help bridge divides in society. “I believe this experiment will go a small way to healing a fractured Britain; after all, to know is to love,” he said. “I’m rooting for our couples to go the distance and not let our differences overpower us.”
