Seven famous faces will be serving time alongside ex-convicts at HMP Shrewsbury, a real-life decommissioned prison, as part of a new documentary series - Banged Up.

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From former Conservative MPs to soap icons, Banged Up sees these celebrities locked up as prisoners for eight days in a bid to investigate what life is really like behind bars.

The TV inmates will be overseen by former prison officers and will live by current UK prison rules, and they will have the chance to talk to their cellmates about their experiences of the justice system and their time as criminals.

So, which famous faces are brave enough to take on this challenge? Read on for all you need to know about the seven celebrities taking part in Banged Up on Channel 4.

Banged Up cast

Sid Owen

Sid Owen wearing a suit and glasses
Sid Owen. Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images

Sid Owen is best known for playing Ricky Butcher in BBC soap EastEnders. While he has starred in other TV programmes over the years, including Bad Girls and 100 Years Younger in 21 Days, Owen is no stranger to reality TV.

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Over the years, Owen has taken part in Strictly Come Dancing, I'm a Celebrity and The Jump.

Neil Parish

Neil Parish standing in front of three cows
Neil Parish. Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images

Former Conservative MP Neil Parish is another famous face part of the Banged Up line-up.

Parish was the MP for Tiverton and Honiton from 2010 until he resigned in 2022, after he admitted to watching explicit content on his phone in the House of Commons.

Tom Rosenthal

Tom Rosenthal wearing a blue-grey suit jacket and black shirt
Tom Rosenthal. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Comedian Tom Rosenthal is best known for playing Jonny in Friday Night Dinner, as well as Marcus in comedy series Plebs.

His other roles include Tom in Flat TV, Private Pike in Dad's Army: Lost Episodes and Tommy in Benny & Jolene.

Marcus Luther

Marcus Luther and Mica Ben on Gogglebox sitting together on the sofa, laughing
Marcus Luther and Mica Ven on Gogglebox. Channel 4

Avid TV viewers will instantly recognise Marcus Luther and his sofa after appearing in Gogglebox since 2018.

In 2022, he and his wife Mica Ben decided to leave the show, and since, Mica has appeared on Celebrity MasterChef.

HRVY

HRVY wearing a white shirt with his thumbs up
HRVY. Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

24-year-old singer HRVY began his career at just 13 years old.

Alongside his music, HRVY took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, coming in second place with his partner Janette Manrara.

Peter Hitchens

Peter Hitchens wearing a light blue shirt and dark blazer
Peter Hitchens. ITV/YouTube

Journalist and foreign corresponded Peter Hitchens is currently a columnist for the Mail on Sunday.

Previously a socialist and supporter of the Labour Party, Hitchens joined the Conservatives in 1997 before leaving in 2003.

Johnny Mercer

Johnny Mercer smiling, wearing a suit
Johnny Mercer. Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Conservative MP Johnny Mercer is also taking part in the show. He is a former British Army officer who has served as minister of state for veterans' affairs since October 2022.

As shown in the series, Johnny Mercer's story was filmed at a separate time to the other stories.

"He committed to taking part prior to his appointment as a cabinet minister," read a segment of the Channel 4 series.

Banged Up continues on Channel 4 on Tuesday 7th November at 9:15pm.

If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide or visit our hub for more Entertainment news.

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