The broadcaster said the programme will “reveal how organisers used artificial intelligence to create fake adverts and posters showcasing a magical wonderland but, in reality, rented a warehouse and filled it with cheap-looking props and cardboard cut-outs.”
People who turned up to the event paid around £35 per ticket and were left disappointed as they arrived at an almost empty decorated warehouse.
Since then, a flurry of images of actors dressed as “The Unknown” and Oompa Loompas, along with videos and memes have taken over social media.
For your viewing pleasure… ‘Wonka: The Scandal That Rocked Britain’
📺 Saturday 7:25pm on Channel 5 & My5 pic.twitter.com/fsXw7CrWdu— Channel 5 (@channel5_tv) March 16, 2024
But now Channel 5 will be airing a one-hour documentary on the event titled ‘Willy Wonka: The Scandal That Rocked Britain’.
The synopsis on Radio Times reads: “A look at the disastrous Willy’s Chocolate Experience in Glasgow, which left children in tears and their parents furious, while photos of the event went viral on social media.
“The programme reveals how organisers used artificial intelligence to create fake adverts and posters showcasing a magical wonderland but, in reality, rented a warehouse and filled it with cheap-looking props and cardboard cut-outs.
“The documentary hears from paying customers, who share their stories of anger, disappointment and disbelief, as well as people who worked on the event, who became overnight internet sensations.”
Recommended reading:
How to watch Willy Wonka: The Scandal That Rocked Britain on Channel 5
Willy Wonka: The Scandal That Rocked Britain will air on Channel 5 tonight (March 16) at 7.35pm.
It will follow on from Inside Cadbury: The Real Chocolate Factory and will also be repeated on Tuesday, March 19 at 7pm.
House of Illuminati, the company behind the viral event, previously confirmed that refunds would be given to customers who attended.
A post on its official Facebook page added: “I want to extend my sincerest apologies to each and every one of you who was looking forward to this event. I understand the disappointment and frustration this has caused, and for that, I am truly sorry.”
