A “prank show with purpose”…
Channel 4 today confirms they are to broadcast a new branded entertainment series Undercover Education; it marks the third partnership with the Department for Education (DfE) and MG OMD.
Rupinder Downie, Content Solutions Leader at Channel 4:
“Undercover Education is an engaging, surprising, and heartwarming branded entertainment series that showcases the branded, creative approaches only Channel 4 Sales can offer our clients, to meet individual campaign and departments briefs.”
Presented by television and radio presenter, screenwriter and children’s author Konnie Huq, this uplifting series sees skilled professionals from Construction, Motor Mechanics and Catering unknowingly step into the role of further education teachers.
In this series – described as a “prank show with purpose”- a group of industry professionals are tasked with guiding an ‘intern’ who in actuality is an undercover further education teacher. Equipped with an earpiece, the intern will be fed conversation starters by a team of students and Konnie that highlight the professionals patience, creativity and value of their existing, real world industry experience. Will the professional realise they possess a natural ability to guide and inspire those entering the further education workforce?
This third partnership of 2025 between Channel 4 and DfE is produced by Zandland and is set for Channel 4’s YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, as well as on Channel 4 streaming. The deal was led by media agency OmniGOV at MG OMD.
Konnie Huq:
“It was great to work with the participants in these three fields to see their knowledge and the power of mentorship, whilst of course a lot of fun coming up with the conversations and pranks carried out by the undercover ‘interns’.”
This series follows previous partnerships with DfE: How To Love Your Jobfeaturing Anna Williamson and Teachers on Tour. As well as adding to Channel 4’s strong branded entertainment slate which includes Underground Shave Club with Philips OneBlade, Future Me with Nicorette and Where to Next? With Tourism Ireland amongst others.
Stephen Parnell, Digital Commissioning Executive at Channel 4:
“Undercover Education is a prank show with purpose, hosted by TV legend Konnie Huq – someone we’re incredibly excited to be working with. In this fun new format, we’ll be introduced to some truly brilliant contributors, in the form of our Undercover-further education teachers and the Industry Professionals that they’ll be pranking. From which we’ll spotlight new talent within different industries and hopefully inspire others. As well as this format highlighting the exciting editorial concepts that brands can take!”
