Elizabeth Hurley makes devastating announcement to kick off Channel 4's ruthless Traitors rival

Elizabeth Hurley has launched her new game show that's set to challenge The Traitors in outrageous style.

The actress and model, 60, is presenting The Inheritance, a wickedly competitive new series that sees 13 strangers battle it out to claim Hurley's "generous assets".

However, in a massive twist, Hurley is seemingly presenting the show from beyond the grave.

She delivered the shocking revelation at the beginning of the opening episode, which launched the series tonight (Sunday, 31st August) at 9pm on Channel 4.

Looking stunning as always in a lavishly floral yellow dress, Hurley explains the show's premise from a plush manor house, reports the Express.

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"Hello darlings," she starts, with a brilliant smile. "I have some bad news. Are you ready? Here goes. I'm dead..."

Audiences are then shown the contestants arriving at her property, where they'll take part in a series of devious games that will "test their diligence, decency and ruthlessness".

"When one perfectly proportioned door closes, another one opens. And that's where you come in," Hurley hints.

The elegant presenter continues to confess she's always been intrigued by how far people will go to secure what they desire.

Joking she's witnessed her fair share of betrayal and duplicity within her own family circle, Hurley reveals she's "set her sights further afield" to determine who's genuinely deserving of her wealth.

Players competing for the ultimate prize include pensioner Ferg, marketing manager Hafsah and paramedic Emma. However, the contest won't be straightforward as there's yet another unexpected revelation when the participants first gather to view their late host's final message.

"It wouldn't be a devilishly dramatic will reading without a shocking twist," she says.

"And here comes mine. I think the fair thing in life is that those who persuade others that they made the difference should get the biggest rewards.

"So, each time you release part of my inheritance from my estate, one of you will take it all. It's up to you to agree on who that is."

As Channel 4 explains in the programme's synopsis, "it's not simply about who deserves the money, but who's willing to outplay, out-charm, and out-scheme their competition to claim it."

Fortunately, celebrity barrister Robert Rinder is on hand to sort out the legal documents, so all it leaves for the contestants to do is dive into some ruthless challenges for the opportunity of departing with a windfall.

The Inheritance continues Monday at 9pm and Tuesday at 9:30pm on Channel 4.