The latest episode of Celebrity Escape To The Country sparked a wave of viewer scepticism, as fans questioned whether presenter Angellica Bell was genuinely planning to trade city life for a rural idyll.
Viewers Question the Move
During Monday's instalment on BBC One, Angellica, 49, and her husband Michael Underwood, 50, began their search for a dream home in Devon with a budget of £1 million. Assisted by property expert Nicki Chapman, 58, the couple, who married in 2010, sought a character property with at least four bedrooms, a large garden, and good transport links.
However, the episode's opening scenes, filmed in Angellica's own stunning Victorian townhouse in south west London, immediately cast doubt for many watching at home. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers were quick to point out the apparent disconnect.
'As if Angellica Bell wants to move to the countryside, I swear @BBC just make these programmes up,' wrote one sceptic. Another stated bluntly, 'Zero chance Angellica Bell is buying a rural property in Devon.' Others simply admired her current home, with one fan commenting, 'Wow Angellica Bell's London house is stunning.'
A Journey of Ambition
In the programme, Angellica explained her determined journey onto the property ladder. 'Growing up, I didn't have a lot of disposable cash,' she told the camera. 'But it made me think, "Okay, when I am going to get my hands on some, I'm gonna make it count."'
She described saving rigorously after getting her job at CBBC, living with a companion to minimise rent. 'By hook or by crook, I wanted to own my own house and be the first person in my family to do that, and I did it,' she said proudly. The show detailed how she had climbed the property ladder through several renovations over the years.
The Property Tour Concludes
Guided by Nicki Chapman, the couple viewed four properties in Devon villages: Aylesbeare, Abbotskerswell, Salcombe Regis, and Tedburn St Mary. While the first home reportedly 'stole Michael's heart', Angellica felt she couldn't put her 'complete stamp on it'. The third property offered her that opportunity, but Michael was concerned about the potential cost.
Ultimately, the pair decided to continue their search. Michael reflected that it had been useful to explore areas slightly further out, while Angellica thanked Nicki for showing them options they wouldn't have considered themselves.
The episode aired amid some viewer frustration with the show's scheduling, following a Christmas episode that some felt had replaced an expected special featuring Linford Christie. Escape To The Country airs on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.
