A recent experience shared on Reddit has brought attention to potential issues surrounding the filming of the BBC show "Escape To The Country." The television programme, which aims to assist city dwellers in finding their ideal homes in the countryside, has faced criticism for its treatment of properties used for filming.
The individual, claiming to represent their aunt whose house was featured on the show, recounted that the property was recently purchased, with the sale completed prior to the filming. However, this arrangement bore complications, as the previous owners had consented to showcase the house before the new owners could move in. The Reddit user explained, "The sale had already closed, but the old owners had agreed that the house could be featured so her move in was delayed a few weeks."
While filming occurred over a short period, the user stated that the crew spent over a week staging the home, making alterations to its décor which were not reverted afterward. They described how the crew transformed an old outbuilding on the property into a living room setting, despite it lacking essential services such as heating or power. This decision raised concerns about the functionality of the space being represented on-screen. The Redditor also noted the challenges their aunt faced in removing stickers placed on the walls to stage a children's bedroom, further alleging that the production team failed to restore the home to its original state. This led to frustrations as the agreement for filming had been made with the previous owners, and thus, the aunt received no compensation for the changes made to her new home.
In a related context, "Escape To The Country" has also drawn viewer criticism in recent episodes. A couple featuring in a recent program, who revealed a budget of £1.5 million, sparked backlash on social media. Viewers expressed their discontent, arguing that the show presents wealth in a manner that is disconnected from the realities of many viewers. The couple, retired nurse Fiona and her husband Nigel, aspire to create a dog-friendly holiday let in Suffolk, and their requirements included a large hobby room and a home without the need for construction work. Presenter Jules Hudson elucidated the couple's desires, noting their ambitious plans to integrate a dog daycare into their new life in the countryside.
"Escape To The Country" airs on weekdays at 3 pm on BBC One and is also available for streaming on iPlayer. In light of the recent revelations and viewer discussions, the BBC has been approached for further comment on both the staging practices and public reactions, although no response has yet been received.
Source: Noah Wire Services