Contestants in the real-life version of Netflix Squid Game They talked about the conditions on set, with several reportedly leaving in tears and one being pulled out on a stretcher.
The platform is currently shooting a game show in the UK, based on the hit Korean drama, about desperate folks engaging in a deadly rivalry.
Participants in this real-life non-lethal version compete for £3.7 million, the biggest lump sum in reality TV history.
According to SunThe contestants spent several hours in freezing temperatures of up to -3C, demanding that players stand completely still, with the rules of a game called “Red Light, Green Light”.
One actor told the broadcast: “Even if the hypothermia started, then people were willing to stay as long as possible because there was too much money on the line. Too many people were determined not to move, so they just stood there for a very long time.
“There were those who came thinking they would become millionaires, but they left in tears.”
They added: “It was like a battlefield. People were being taken away by paramedics, but we couldn’t say anything. If you talk, then you’re out.
“Some people couldn’t move their feet because it was so cold.
“You could hear someone shouting ‘doctor’ and the team was on their way quickly. We stood there for 30 minutes between shots. Some were crawling to the end. At least one was carried out on a stretcher.”
Sources close to production denied this claim. Independent that no one left the set on a stretcher.
new show, Squid Game: DifficultyIt saw Netflix invite 465 members of the public (the same amount as in the series) to compete for the grand prize.
It was reportedly filmed at Cardington Studios, a former RAF based in Bedford.
Another contestant told Sun: “It was freezing cold when we got there. Everyone was shaking. I don’t think there is any heater.
“They said we could move forward when the baby started singing. When he stopped singing, we were outside if we moved.
“They gave us two thermals, two socks, a shirt, plimsolls and green sweatpants.
“Under our clothes we had blood vests that automatically exploded to look like you’d been shot if they caught you moving.”
Netflix told Independent In a statement on behalf of the platform, Studio Lambert and The Garden: “We deeply care about the health and safety of our players and crew and have invested in all appropriate safety procedures.
“When it was very cold on set and the participants were prepared for it, allegations of serious injury are not true.”
Independent Contacted Netflix for further comment.