The Circle recap: Richard Madeley settles into catfish life as Tim steals the show

The Circle has finally kicked off, with another group of flatmates attempting to deceive their neighbours, to win £100,000.

Channel 4s reality TV show sees ordinary people move in to the same block flats without ever meeting each other, only communicating through The Circles social media channels.

They create their own profile – either themselves or someone totally different – and communicate through group chats and private messages in a bid to be crowned the most popular and take home the prize money.

Emma Willis kicked things off by introducing us to this years first contestants, before dropping the bombshell that Richard Madeley would be joining the gang as an agent of mischief.

But, if the double Bake Off elimination sent you to bed in a huff and you missed the show, this is what went down on the launch night.

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Richard Madeley joins the game

This Mornings Richard moved into the flat a little later than everyone else, but got right down to it as he explored his temporary surroundings, clutching a guitar.

He then gave us a little tour, showing off the old-school typewriter he has been given by producers, as well as a brand new keyboard.

Thoughts are with whoevers flat has been placed next door to his…

But viewers were thrown a massive curveball as it was revealed that we would be able to decide on his profile – either a 22-year-old man named Richard, or a 27-year-old woman named Judy.

While we wont know for sure who Richard will be playing until the next instalment, we can take a wild guess on which one fans (and wife Judy Finnegan watching on at home) went for…

Tim and Sammie voted as influencers

The Circlers were thrown straight in at the deep end as they faced the seriously awkward task of rating one another – without even having a single conversation. And, because theyve never actually spoken, they had to go on looks and a quick glance over each others profiles.

So its basically Tinder but with your neighbours.

It was then revealed Tim and Sammie (who is being played by James) were ranked the highest by their co-stars, meaning they were given influencer status. But what exactly will they be influencing?

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Tim, Brooke and Georgina are so pure

Tim became a firm fan favourite – and very popular with his co-stars – the second he entered his flat, thanks largely to his cat, Bey, named after Beyonce, obviously.

But he cemented himself in our hearts as he opened up a private chat with Brooke, telling her he cant sleep without knowing more about her.

Bit forward when youve only known her an hour, but well let it slide hun.

As they bonded over their love of languages, they decided to invite Georgina into the chat, where she told them a little more about herself and how she lives with Crohns disease.

Having a Crohns disease is a super difficult struggle sometimes, but you just take each day as it comes and really enjoy yourself, she insisted.

Brooke and Georgina were full of praise, telling her they would always be there for her whenever she needed them, and honestly, it has warmed our hearts.

Katie screwing the game up in the very first second

One person who might need a little more help on the show is Katie, who almost managed to screw the whole thing up in the very first second of the game.

Theres another three weeks left of this…

Katie is playing as Jay, her real life son, and she decided to open a private chat with single mum Sammie – who is actually absolutely not a single mum, named James.

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Keeping up?