Channel 4 turns up sewage pressure with Fountain of Filth
By James Herring on Monday, February 23, 2026
To launch Dirty Business, its new factual drama about Britain’s sewage crisis, Channel 4 has unveiled a provocative 10 metre installation on London’s South Bank that makes the scandal impossible to ignore.
The large scale structure features bronze like statues of men, women and children appearing to vomit murky brown water.
A stark reflection of the experiences of people who say they were made ill by sewage polluted waterways.
Created by inhouse agency 4Creative in partnership with Glue Society and Biscuit Filmworks, The Fountain of Filth sits at Observation Point from 23 to 25 February to coincide with the series’ run.
Among those depicted is former national surfing champion Sophie Hellyer, alongside outdoor swimming journalist Ella Foote, recreated using 3D scans.
Towering above them, a suited executive with pockets full of cash provides a pointed commentary on corporate accountability.
A QR code drives visitors to hear first hand testimonies, extending the impact beyond the physical space.
As 4Creative’s David Wigglesworth puts it, the aim was to turn a familiar public fountain into a national talking point.
“Dirty Business confronts the grim reality behind Britain’s sewage scandal, and The Fountain of Filth forces it into the open.”
Supported by ad vans and a nationwide media push from OMD UK, the work exemplifies Channel 4’s commitment to putting real human stories at the heart of its marketing.
Nic Moran, Head of Marketing at Channel 4, said: “The sick truth about Britain’s sewage scandal is hiding in plain sight and our marketing campaign for Dirty Business makes it impossible to ignore. We have put the human cost at the forefront and told the real stories behind the public health crisis.”
