Can't Pay We'll Take It Away!

Production

The series has been broadcast Channel 5 since 24 February 2014. Their brief of the series says; "With exclusive access to some of the most experienced High Court enforcement bailiffs and repossession teams in the country, this series is an eye-opening insight into cash-strapped Britain from the perspectives of debtors, creditors and debt collectors. Produced by Brinkworth Films, the series and its various spin-offs reveal what it means to be a creditor who cannot get back what they are owed, what it is like to be saddled with debt that you are simply unable to repay and what it takes to be the kind of person who can pay but refuses to do so. Cameras capture the daily hassle of dealing with violent confrontations, tearful debtors, downright liars and genuine cases of hardship. Then there are the debtors, many of whom have some distressing tales to tell of how they got into the situation in the first place. No one wants their possessions confiscated, after all. The result is a unique insight into one of the biggest issues facing those who cannot afford to keep paying the bills." Every episode to date has been narrated by Jason Done.

Cast

Series 1 (2014)

The first series introduces five initial cast members: Paul Bohill, Steve Pinner, Mike Allonby, Terry Jones, and Steve Wood. The day after the broadcast of the first programme, Allonby died aged 47 at his home in Wales. Both Jones and Wood subsequently only appeared in the first series, with Bohill and Pinner the only two cast members who went on to appear in series two. The first three episodes became the most watched programme on the channel that week, with episodes four and five placing at second and third, respectively.

Series 2 (2014)

The second series sees the introduction of five new cast members - Ben Pinner, Brian O'Shaughnessy, Graham Aldred, Iain Taylor and Stuart McCracken. Paul Bohill and Steve Pinner are the only two returning cast members from the first series. Every episode of the series ranked in the top three most watched programmes on the channel that week.

Series 3 (2015)

Cast member Kevin Stokes confirmed on Twitter that the returning cast for the third series was as follows: Paul Bohill, Steve Pinner, Ben Pinner, Stewart McCracken, Iain Taylor and Brian O'Shaughnessy. New cast members in this series would include: himself, Delroy Anglin ("Del"), Elmore Victor ("Vic") and Phil Short, who previously appeared in a non-speaking role in series two. Graham Aldred was confirmed as the only cast member from series two to not be returning for the third series. Every episode in series three placed within the top four most-watched programmes on Channel 5 for each respective week. For eight non-consecutive weeks, it was the most watched programme on the channel. Episode 12 had previously been broadcast on August 4, as part of the "Britain on Benefits" season.

Series 4 (2016)

In February 2016, cast member Paul Bohill confirmed on Twitter that the cast for the fourth series was as follows: himself, Steve Pinner, Ben Pinner, Stewart McCracken, Iain Taylor, Brian O'Shaughnessy, Delroy Anglin ("Del") and Elmore Victor ("Vic"). The only agent not to return from the third series was Kevin Stokes. Additionally, three further agents appeared in minor roles: Phil Short, Ru Pabari and Alan Hunt, all of whom featured in one episode each. The series was filmed between September and November 2015. Broadcast was later confirmed for April 13, 2016. Additionally, the scheduling for several episodes was changed at the last minute: episode 4 was due to air on May 4, but for reasons unknown was held over and not broadcast until the end of the series, later subtitled the "Busted" special. The broadcast of episodes 7 & 8 was also switched for reasons unknown.

Series 5 (2016)

Broadcast of the fifth series was confirmed on August 18, 2016. DCBL subsequently added a page on their website with profiles of each of the agents featured in the series. The cast for the fifth series remains unchanged, with Bohill, Steve Pinner, Ben Pinner, McCracken, Taylor, O'Shaughnessy, Anglin and Victor all returning. The series sees the introduction of one new agent, Dael Anglin, Delroy's son. However, on October 5, 2016, two new agents were introduced into the series, Craig Vernall and Gareth Short. Episode 8 also saw a guest appearance from Graham Aldred, last seen in series two. Phil Short will also guest star in Episode 9. O'Shaughnessy has since confirmed on Twitter that this series will be his last. The series began filming in February 2016. This series will feature sixteen episodes. Paul Bohill has confirmed on his twitter account that a sixth series has already been filmed, although no broadcast date has yet been confirmed.