A controversial reality TV show to be broadcast next month aims to challenge preconceptions about Muslims. But the programme, which sees non-Muslims living under strict Sharia law for three weeks, could also reinforce some people’s One participant accused imams featured in the three-part series of being prejudiced towards her and said she experienced “animosity” from them. Another, however, was surprised by the “confrontational” and “aggressive attitude” British people had towards her as a result of her temporary conversion to a Muslim way of life.
Film maker Narinder Minhas chose the affluent market town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire for his bold experiment . . . a place that is home to just 311 Muslims in a population of 60,000. His guinea pigs include a mixed race couple, a gay hairdresser, an atheist taxi driver and a glamour model . . . all of whom are called upon to give up unmarried sex, alcohol and pork, pray regularly and dress modestly for three weeks.
Minhas, the man behind reality shows Priest Idol and Indian Finishing School, wanted to make the documentary after tiring of too many “po-faced” programmes about Islam. He said: “I wanted to make a series that had some humour in it. I’m tired of seeing guys with beards who are a bit scary. I wanted to explore how white people come to grips with a religion they’ve kind of heard of. I wanted to portray those people as human beings who go through a range of emotions.”
The three-part programme, yet to be titled, will be broadcast on Channel Four on December 16, 17 and 18.