Elizabeth Hurley announces 'I'm dead' as devilish game show to rival Traitors kicks off

Elizabeth Hurley has kicked off her new game show that's poised to rival The Traitors in scandalous fashion.

The actress and model, 60, is hosting The Inheritance, a devilishly challenging new series that pits 13 strangers against each other to get their hands on Hurley's "generous assets".

But in a huge twist, Hurley is apparently hosting the show from beyond the grave.

She shared the devastating news at the start of the first episode, which kicked off the series tonight (Sunday, 31st August) at 9pm on Channel 4.

Looking glamorous as ever in an extravagantly floral yellow dress, Hurley introduces the concept of the series from a luxurious manor house.

"Hello darlings," she begins, with a dazzling smile. "I have some bad news. Are you ready? Here goes. I'm dead..."

Viewers are then introduced to the players arriving at her estate, where they'll compete in a series of fiendish games that will "test their diligence, decency and ruthlessness".

"When one perfectly proportioned door closes, another one opens. And that's where you come in," Hurley teases.

The stylish host goes on to admit she's always been fascinated by the lengths people will go to get what they want.

Quipping she's seen her fair share of backstabbing and treachery in her own family alone, Hurley says she's "set her sights further afield" to decide who's truly worthy of her fortune.

Contestants vying for the top prize include retiree Ferg, marketing manager Hafsah and paramedic Emma.

However, the competition won't be simple as there's yet another unexpected revelation when the players first convene to watch their deceased host's parting message.

"It wouldn't be a devilishly dramatic will reading without a shocking twist," she says.

"And here comes mine. I think the fair thing in life is that those who persuade others that they made the difference should get the biggest rewards.

"So, each time you release part of my inheritance from my estate, one of you will take it all. It's up to you to agree on who that is."

As Channel 4 explains in the show's synopsis, "it's not simply about who deserves the money, but who's willing to outplay, out-charm, and out-scheme their competition to claim it."

Thankfully, celebrity barrister Robert Rinder is on board to handle the paperwork, so all it leaves for the players to do is get stuck into some cutthroat challenges for the chance of walking away with a fortune.

The Inheritance continues Monday at 9pm and Tuesday at 9:30pm on Channel 4.