Hunted fans have been left in a state of confusion after one of the stars of the civilian edition was missing from its latest season.

The popular Channel 4 show returned for its eighth season this week and the absence of Dr Steve Hersee, the Head of Intelligence, did not go unnoticed.

For those unfamiliar with the premise of the show, it centres around a group of contestants - the Fugitives - who are challenged with evading a team of police and military personnel for 21 days to win a large cash prize.

After noticing Dr Steve's unexplained absence, fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their confusion: 'Where is Steve?!';

'Have I missed something? No Dr Steve anymore?';

'I just want to know what happened to Dr Steve!'

Hunted fans have been left in a state of confusion after one of the stars of the civilian edition was missing from its latest season

The popular Channel 4 show returned for its eighth season this week and the absence of Dr Steve Hersee, the head of intelligence, did not go unnoticed

But while Dr Steve was missing from the show, other familiar faces did return, including Chief Hunter Ray Howard and former police detective Georgina Bradley, who is the Head of Ops.

Dr Steve has now been replaced as Head of Intelligence at Hunted HQ by former Fugitive, Abi Barrett, who appeared on the show in 2022.

She is not without the relevant professional experience required for the role and was actually in the military for seven years.

She told Channel 4: 'I've been out the military for about a year now, so it was good fun getting to apply those skills and expertise once again, albeit this time in a slightly less lethal manner.

'The best part however, was getting to work with the talented individuals both behind and in front of the camera.

'Everyone involved was evidently at the top of their game, and when such high performers come together to achieve a goal, it's unbelievably satisfying and good fun too.'

The show last aired in March of 2024 and features a new group of Fugitives who are doing their best to travel to the so-called Extraction Point without being caught by the Hunted HQ.

If they manage the feat, they could win a whopping £100,000 prize pot.

But while Dr Steve was missing from the show, other familiar faces did return, including former police detective Georgina Bradley, who is the Head of Ops

Chief Hunter Ray Howard told Channel 4: 'My favourite part about filming Hunted is the thrill of the chase'

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Chief Hunter Ray Howard told Channel 4: 'My favourite part about filming Hunted is the thrill of the chase. Every series brings new challenges and unpredictable moments, which keeps the excitement alive.

'The teamwork and strategy involved in tracking down the fugitives is tough but also very rewarding.

'The team is incredible and brings together some of the most capable people from the policing, military, cyber, and analysis disciplines.

'It's an experience that keeps us guessing as much as the audience, we never quite know what is coming next with the fugitives.'

Hunted continues on Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4 and can be watched on demand on Channel 4 and 4HD.

Hunted fans gasp 'have I missed something?!' as star disappears