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Channel 4's new social experiment sparked immediate outrage after a contestant made shocking comments about Adolf Hitler. In the opening episode of Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, retired prison officer George, 60, was paired with 79-year-old aristocrat Sir Benjamin Slade, the 7th Baronet of Maunsel. While showing George around his 14th-century Somerset estate, Benjamin pointed out a painting by Adolf Hitler hanging on the wall. Attempting to justify its presence, he said: "That is just German art you've got to respect it."

George was visibly furious. "That is a horror of a human being, it belongs in the toilet. Don't you see that that's abhorrent to other people?" he fired back. Benjamin doubled down, replying: "I think people need to see that he could paint." He also remarked that Hitler was "very good with children, dogs and loved to paint." The comments sparked immediate outrage online. One viewer wrote: "How can Benjamin say Hitler was good with children when he killed so many?"

Another posted: "Hitler. Great with kids, dogs & loved painting. Lovely fella!" While another fumed: "Having a painting from Adolf Hitler in your house is absolutely disgusting."

Another added: "Hitler, well known for his love of children, well as long as they had blue eyes and blonde hair"

The controversial moment came in the very first episode of the new series, hosted by Jonathan Ross, which sees 18 strangers with opposing views shackled together 24/7 as they compete for a £100,000 prize.

The controversy came in a format designed to crank up tension from the outset. The nine pairs are shackled together before they even meet - forced into instant proximity with a complete stranger.

Once introduced, they must live in each other's homes before heading out on a UK road trip, all while physically chained together 24/7.

Contestants are allowed to unlock themselves at certain points - but doing so wipes out any chance of winning the £100,000 prize.

If you walk away, you leave with nothing. The George and Benjamin clash was just one of several eyebrow-raising pairings.

Anthony, 60, a self-made millionaire with a love of vintage motors and traditional manners, is matched with Tilly, 37, a bartender and cleaner whose mum has already warned her to mind her language on camera.

Elsewhere, 39-year-old plus-size fashion entrepreneur and outspoken feminist Jo is chained to Reuben, 29, a property developer who proudly describes himself as a gym-loving "alpha male."

Reaction tot he opening episode was mixed with some praising the chaos and other branding it "cringe."

"Car crash! utter sh**e but will probably watch as there's utter sh**e on the other channels too," blasted on viewer. Another said: "looks like it's gonna be good to be fair. Very interesting."

A thid added: "#Handcuffed is already cringe... If a guy called me "Baby" that many times I'd get Madison Avenue on full blast till he got the flipping message."