Viewers tuning into the new series of The Circle were not impressed on Tuesday night as former Gladiators star James Crossley.
As James entered the infamous apartment block, he revealed that he is going to be impersonating an NHS nurse named Gemma.
Asked if he was worried about any backlash he might get about his chosen persona not being real, James said: "I don't think so because that's the name of the game, isn't it? It's not like people are walking in blindfolded.
"They all know that there's catfish in there, it's transparent so I don't really see why somebody would kick off. But it’s hard to know because I've never been in this bubble-like situation to see and understand how connected you get to people.
"I also feel that I’m using the nurse aspect of my catfish for the right reasons. The NHS have patched me up countless times over the years. They are absolute heroes and that has been highlighted hugely through this pandemic. I want to win for them."
Speaking about what he will do with the £100,000 prize if he wins, James added: "I also really want to take this opportunity to give back to NHS nurses, winning the prize money would give me the chance to show my gratitude for all their hard work."
However, fans of the Channel 4 reality show weren't happy with James' choice - mainly due to the fact that we're currently in a pandemic.
Taking to Twitter, one person posted: "So he’s going to play on people’s emotional response to nhs workers #thecircle."
Another viewer tweeted: "Not a nurse joining #TheCircle in a pandemic," while a third added: "Ugh of course he has to go as a nurse, im not a fan #TheCircle."
Someone else penned: "Something about someone catfishing as a NHS nurse doesn't quite sit right with me.... #TheCircle."
Another viewer added: "This is where it gets awkward... is cat fishing as a nurse a step too far? I would say so BUT - he said he’s donating 50% to local nurses if he wins! So game on."
Others pointed out that James wouldn't be able to fool the other contestants as a nurse would never get so much time off.
"He’s going in as a nurse? Like they’d get time off during a pandemic to do a reality show #TheCircle," one said.
Another tweeted: "#TheCircle a nurse, allowed more than a few days off?!?! Don't be daft."
*The Circle continues on Wednesday at 10pm on Channel 4.
