Channel 4’s Dispatches has used an AI presenter, as part of a deliberate on-screen stunt to show just how convincing artificial intelligence has become, and to highlight the speed at which the technology is developing.
The edition, called Will AI Take My Job? produced by Kalel Productions, was broadcast last night on Channel 4 and is now available to stream on Channel4. In it, Dispatches investigates how AI automation is reshaping the workplace, pitting humans against machines in a series of real-world tests across medicine, law, fashion and music. But in a twist saved for the end of the film, it’s revealed that the programme’s own presenter, who appears throughout reporting from different locations, was entirely AI-generated.
Throughout the documentary viewers see the presenter appear and narrate the show. Yet in the closing moments, the reveal lands: the “presenter” was entirely AI-generated – their face, voice and movements all created through AI technology, without a single frame of real-world filming. The AI says:
“AI is going to touch everybody’s lives in the next few years. And for some, it will take their jobs. Call centre workers? Customer service agents? Maybe even TV presenters like me. Because I’m not real. In a British TV first, I’m an AI presenter.
Some of you might have guessed: I don’t exist, I wasn’t on location reporting this story. My image and voice were generated using AI.”
The AI anchor was produced by AI fashion brand Seraphinne Vallora for Kalel, using prompts to create a realistic digital human capable of delivering nuanced on-camera performances. The result is almost indistinguishable from a real person – until the very end, when the truth is exposed to viewers.
Channel 4 has clear editorial guidelines governing the ethical use of artificial intelligence. The film complies fully with these, including a commitment to transparency and disclosure to audiences when AI is used. The reveal at the end of the programme ensures viewers understand the purpose of the stunt and the broader public-interest question it raises about trust and authenticity in the digital age.
Louisa Compton, Head of News and Current Affairs, Specialist Factual and Sport at Channel 4, said: “The use of an AI presenter is not something we will be making a habit of at Channel 4 – instead our focus in news and current affairs is on premium, fact checked, duly impartial and trusted journalism – something AI is not capable of doing. But this stunt does serve as a useful reminder of just how disruptive AI has the potential to be – and how easy it is to hoodwink audiences with content they have no way of verifying.”
Adam Vandermark, Commissioning Editor for News and Current Affairs at Channel 4 said: “Kalel Productions worked hard to make the reporter feel and appear as authentic as possible, but of course AI couldn’t do the work of an investigative journalist. Or could it? It’s far too early to tell, but it’s certainly a revelation to see this imaginary presenter front a Dispatches in such a clever and realistic way”.
Nick Parnes, CEO of Kalel Productions said: “This is another risky, yet compelling, project for Kalel. It’s been nail-biting to create the AI presenter in time. Ironically, it gets even more economical to go with an AI Presenter over human, weekly. And as the generative AI tech keeps bettering itself, the Presenter gets more and more convincing, daily. That’s good for our film, but maybe not so good for people’s careers.”
Will AI Take My Job? Dispatches also reveals that nearly three-quarters of UK bosses have already introduced AI into tasks once carried out by humans.
Pippa Considine
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