Rise and Fall cast: Meet the contestants on Greg James' show
The new reality show is back on our screens this week, but who are the Grafters and who are the Rulers?
With just days to go before the Rise and Fall finale airs, this Channel 4 experiment is getting ready to wrap up but doesn't look as though the drama is dying down anytime soon.
Thursday's episode proved to be an explosive one, with host Greg James announcing that new addition Joas being removed from the show after getting into a water-throwing altercation with fellow contestant Sophie over a recent vote.
We'd watched the Grafters vote for which Ruler they wanted to see eliminated and, unsurprisingly, Jack fell from the dizzying heights of the penthouse after he lost £14,000 from the prize fund along with Moses and Rossi.
Meanwhile, Eddy and Sophie have become the latest to take a place as a Ruler – but will they be able to hang onto their Ruler status as the show comes to an end?
With contestants dramatically quitting, some being eliminated before returning to the basement and others reaching the end of their Rise and Fall road, here's everything you need to know about the show's cast as we enter the final week.
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Who's in the cast of Rise and Fall?
Isaak
Age: 24
Location: Wigan
Occupation: Paralympian
Wigan-based athlete Isaak arrived on Rise and Fall in the fifth episode, although he has already made a name for himself as a Paralympic star in badminton.
The 24-year-old considers Ben Stokes to be a great leader, adding that he has "really inspired" him to live his life. "Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes it’s ok to accept them and carry on. The way he’s been so resilient and now he’s captain, is really inspiring," he says.
He's hoping to bring open-mindedness to the Channel 4 show and hopes that being an extrovert will help him win. "I'm not afraid to show my emotions. If there's something I disagree with or someone's being hurtful to someone, then I won't be afraid to tell them that's not right."
Moses
Age: 23
Location: London
Occupation: Personal trainer
London-based personal trainer Moses says that he considers his mum to be a great leader and that she taught him a "very important lesson in life" which is to "take a risk and proper".
"I have the ability to think on the spot and to tackle situations that I am spontaneously put in to," he adds.
Connor
Age: 27
Location: Kent
Occupation: Care home manager
Kent-based Connor began volunteering in the care sector at the age of 16 and knew that was what he wanted to do when he left school. He now works as a care home manager, caring for the elderly and those with disabilities.
He considers his mother to be a great leader, saying: "She’s always whipped me into shape, she’s never taken any c**p from anybody.
"She shows strength and she’s also a diva like me. You have to have that element of sass and characteristic of being diva-ish. You’ve just got to be confident in how you deal with things."
He says that he's a strong person and that to win the game, you need to be outspoken and able to "sniff out the weaker ones, the fake ones, all the manipulators and I think I'll be able to sniff out the worst ones".
While Connor seemingly quit the show as a Ruler in episode 13, he returned as a Grafter in the basement.
Edmund
Age: 27
Location: Devon
Occupation: Account manager
Edmund is an account manager who descends from one of Britain's oldest aristocratic families – however, he says that he can find common ground with anyone.
"I think Ben Stokes is a great leader," he says. "He’s somebody that doesn’t mind doing the hard work but then is also somebody to look up to."
Edmund says that he's happy to "muck in and do the hard graft" but also "take a step back and organise and lead a team", qualities which he's hoping will win him the game.
Matt
Age: 32
Location: The Midlands
Occupation: Nurse
Matt is a nurse from the Midlands who has dedicated his career to helping vulnerable members of society – however, after a decade on the frontline, he's becoming frustrated with social policy.
He says that his mother is a great leader and his role model, describing her as "one of the strongest, most empowering women" he knows. "If I could be half the nurse – because she was a nurse as well – and half the parent to my two daughters that she was to me then I’m happy, I’m successful. I’ve achieved in life," he says.
Ramona
Age: 34
Location: Born in Germany, raised in London
Occupation: CEO
Ramona moved from Munich to London as a child and had to learn a new language – the reason for her desire to work hard in the business world, she says. She is currently the CEO of various hospitality and tech businesses.
She considers her husband to be a great leader, saying: "We work together. His leadership, skills and professionalism have really been something to look up to and together we are a power couple."
As for why she'll win the show, she says that she's working with so many people from different cultures and backgrounds and "can lead people using the knowledge and experience [she's] gained".
While Ramona was eliminated in episode two after starting the game as a Ruler, she was given a chance to return as a Grafter in Week Two of the competition.
Rachel
Age: 27
Location: London
Occupation: Influencer
Rachel is an influencer from London who is also an identical twin. She specialises in fashion and beauty content creation and says that if she has to, she'll put on an act to get to the top.
She thinks Ophra is a great leader and considers her to be inspiring, adding: "She obviously has her own TV show and she's a winner in all areas of life."
As for how she'll win the show, Rachel says she's very observant and social but very competitive. "I'm here to win. No one’s going to take my spot, just saying."
Rossi
Age: 39
Location: Norfolk
Occupation: Fashion merchandiser
Rossi is a TikTok influencer who believes he can win anyone over with his sense of humour. He's built a loyal following on the social media app with enough followers to fill Wembley Stadium three times over.
He considers his dad to be a great leader because he's "funny and he's also got a strict side to him" and says that a great leader is someone who can listen. He reckons he's "very approachable" with a "savvy side" which will help him win the show.
Sophie
Age: 21
Location: Essex
Occupation: Politics student
Essex-based politics student Sophie is a member of the Young Conservatives, who has appeared as a regular commentator in the national media and is outspoken in her political views. She is also a footballer.
She considers Margaret Thatcher to be her "personal idol" and says that she has what it takes to win Rise and Fall, adding: "I’m really personable, a lot of people tend to gravitate to me. I’m a natural born leader. I’m really strong, I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me at all."
Sydney
Age: 24
Location: West Lothian, Scotland
Occupation: Delivery driver
West Lothian delivery driver Sydney is a single mum who is studying for a law degree. She hopes to work in the human rights sector.
She considers Marilyn Monroe to be one of the best leaders as "she's iconic and had the world in a chokehold during her time".
As for why she'll win the show, Sydney said that her best quality is that she's competitive and doesn't like to lose. "I can get on with anybody regardless of age, gender and the background they come from," she says.
Sam
Age: 30
Location: London
Occupation: Software engineer
Sam arrived on the show in Episode 12 and considers Virgil Abloh to be a good leader. "He was able to redefine the creative space, really walk in his own lane and do what he wanted."
She considers herself to be determined, adding: "I persevere, I’m strong and anything that I put my mind to I will just get it done!"
Joas – REMOVED in Episode 14
Age: 38
Location: London (originally Brazil)
Occupation: PR researcher
Originally from Brazil, Joas considers Geri Halliwell to be a great leader, adding: "She left the Spice Girls at the right time. You know, they were all thinking it at the time, so kudos for her."
He planned to bring adaptability to Rise and Fall and thought that it would help him win. "The qualities I have that would make me win Rise and Fall are because I'm a foreigner, I came all the way from Brazil and I couldn't speak a word in English.
"I lived in a room with eight other people in a house of 20 people and we had to share one toilet, imagine 20 people sharing one toilet so after that I'm more than capable to win this game."
Joas was ejected from Rise and Fall after chucking a glass of water over Sophie during an argument.
Jack – ELIMINATED in Episode 14
Age: 28
Location: Hertfordshire
Occupation: Builder
Hertfordshire-based builder Jack works in construction but also plays semi-professional football. He considers Lionel Messi to be a good leader as he can "lead a team by himself and carry them over the line, like at the World Cup".
Jack said that he's "up for anything" and doesn't take it too seriously, which should help him win Rise and Fall. If he won the show, he planned to take his mum on a luxury holiday.
James – ELIMINATED in Episode 12
Age: 26
Location: Newport, Wales
Occupation: Employment coach
Employment coach James is passionate about fitness, running fitness classes alongside his day job. He considers Beyoncé to be an amazing leader, describing her as "a trailblazer" who's led "herself, women, men and the queer community to feel themselves, to be their best selves and to release their wiggle".
As for what makes him a great leader, James said that he's "trustworthy" and "extremely down to earth".
"I’ve been at the bottom and I also know what it feels like to be at the top with power," he said. "If I win and get to the top, I want to make sure that I win fairly and treat other people fairly, too. A leader needs to lead and not just be a boss."
Jeff – ELIMINATED in Episode 12
Age: 69
Location: London
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Described as an east End boy at heart, Jeff is an entrepreneur who began working at Sotheby's in the 1970s before setting up an art dealership. He is best known for appearing on Channel 4's Four Rooms and currently oversees and runs eight businesses.
He considers Winston Churchill to be a great leader, adding: "He had a sense of humour and you get nowhere in this world without a sense of humour."
As for why he could win Rise and Fall, Jeff said that he planned on "looking out for those below and giving them a chance" and making sure "they can make a mistake, maybe two mistakes, but a third one and they're out".
Cheryl – ELIMINATED in Episode 10
Age: 40
Location: Liverpool
Occupation: Trainee nurse
Liverpudlian trainee nurse Cheryl is a mature student, having previously been a support worker, working with adults and children. She considers herself to be a "fabulous leader" because she likes things done her way.
"I listen, I like to take it all in and we can work together. I’ll work with you so long as you work with me," she says.
As for how she thought she'd win Rise and Fall, Cheryl said that she likes to bring everyone together but also does her own thing. "I don’t like seeing anyone struggling so I know I’m going to be very compassionate about those scenarios. But I also like to be a winner, so long as things go my way, that’s fine. But that’s not going to happen, is it? It’s a gameshow."
Joanna – QUIT in Episode 9
Age: 50
Location: Suffolk
Occupation: Interior designer
Interior designer Joanna grew up in Suffolk, where she spent time at her grandparents' stately home. When the pandemic hit, she went to Greece on an adventure.
Joanna considers Margaret Thatcher to be a great leader, describing her as "a very strong woman with balls of steel".
As for why she could win Rise and Fall, Joanna said she's "strong, physically and mentally" and likes to "rise to any occasion thrown at [her]".
Unfortunately, Joanna was forced to leave the show after a trapped nerve in her arm left her in pain.
Marina – ELIMINATED in Episode 8
Age: 18
Location: London
Occupation: Receptionist
London-based receptionist Marina currently lives at home with her parents. She dropped out of university to become an actor.
When asked who makes a great leader, Marina says that it's hard to choose a public figure as she's "never been led by a public figure", but considers herself to be a good at leading the pack, bringing "a lot of positive energy" and "solutions".
Rishika – ELIMINATED in Episode 6
Age: 26
Location: Birmingham
Occupation: Communications officer
Rishika is a communications officer from Birmingham who grew up without great wealth, making her understand the value of money and the need to earn nice things. She runs a charity helping people who live in shoe poverty.
"A great leader is anybody who can take charge of any situation but also listen to anyone, so I think I fit the bill. I’m a great leader," she said.
As for how she'd win the show, Rishika said she's "really outspoken" and "not afraid to take the lead".
Prince – ELIMINATED in Episode 4
Age: 39
Location: Hertfordshire
Occupation: Postal worker
Prince is a postal worker from Hertfordshire, however he was born and raised in Sierra Leone. He describes his upbringing as challenging but believes that while it was harsh, it set him up for success.
He considers his Uncle Frank to be a great leader, saying that he's a "very disciplined and logical person".
As for why he could win Rise and Fall, Prince said: "I’m very focused when I decide to put my mind to something and I’m a very deep thinker. I don’t follow the crowd. I’m an individual, I’m quite strong minded and I’ve got good willpower."
Ali – QUIT in Episode 1
Age: 45
Location: Essex
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Ali is a hard-working businessman from Essex, where his restaurants have become celebrity hot spots.
He thinks Donald Trump makes for a great leader as he's a "don't-take-no-c**p kind of guy" and thought that his organisational skills would help him win Rise and Fall. "I can make people do what I want them to do," he said.
Ali decided to leave the show in episode 1 after struggling with the living conditions that came with being a Grafter.
Rise and Fall continues on Channel 4 on Monday 27th March at 10pm and airs on weeknights from Monday to Thursday.
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