Jonathan Ross’ Spooky TV Series ‘Haunted Homecoming’ Ends After One Season
Jonathan Ross, a well-known TV presenter and self-proclaimed horror enthusiast, has seen his latest paranormal-themed series, Haunted Homecoming, come to an abrupt end after just one season. The show, which explored the eerie history of East London, was broadcast on Discovery+ in 2024 but has now been officially scrapped following its debut.
The series aimed to take viewers on a journey through the haunted locations of Ross’s childhood, delving into the dark past of the East End while seeking evidence of supernatural activity. According to the channel’s synopsis, the programme offered a “chilling trip down memory lane” as Ross revisited the places that shaped his early life.
Despite the intriguing concept, the show only managed to produce two episodes before being axed. In an interview with The Sun, Ross explained that he had no intention of making a second series because the team couldn’t find any convincing paranormal evidence. He admitted to being a sceptic and said he wouldn’t pretend to be scared if there was nothing to fear.
“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 stated. “They said they didn’t want me to be like that.”
During the first episode, titled Hitchcock & the Pool of Death, Ross investigated Epping Forest and a nearby hotel, while the second episode, The Ghost in the Cellar, focused on a school with reported paranormal activity. The series also featured appearances from paranormal investigator Dr Kate Cherrel and psychic Ian Lawman.
The show was produced by North One and marked Ross’s return to television after his recent work on Channel 4’s Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing. He also appeared as a contestant on BBC One’s The Celebrity Traitors.
The Success of Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing
Just last month, the future of Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing was confirmed, with producers expressing interest in creating a celebrity version of the show. The reality programme, which aired in March, saw eight pairs of strangers with opposing beliefs and lifestyles handcuffed together for weeks. Their goal was to outlast each other and win a £100,000 prize.
The first series ended with conservative housewife Charlie and adult content creator Rob emerging as the winners. 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 memorable moments came when Sir Ben Slade attempted to cut himself free from former prison officer George, with their pairing lasting only 12 hours and 47 minutes.
A source told The Sun’s TVBiz column that there is strong interest in both a civilian and celebrity version of the show. “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.
Jonathan Ross’ Vision for Unity
Ross, who first began his career with Channel 4 in 1987 presenting The Last Resort, described Handcuffed as an experiment that could help heal a divided Britain. “I believe this experiment will go a small way to healing a fractured Britain; after all, to know is to love,” he said.
He expressed hope that the couples would be able to overcome their differences and stay together throughout the challenge. “I’m rooting for our couples to go the distance and not let our differences overpower us.”
