Former A Place in the Sun presenter Scarlette Douglas has opened up about a particularly unsettling experience from her new property programme during an appearance on James Martin's Saturday Morning on November 15.
The 'Creepy' Doll Dilemma
Douglas, who fronted the Channel 4 property search show from 2015 to 2022, was on the ITV programme to discuss Can't Sell, Must Sell, the new series she co-hosts with her brother, renovator Stuart Douglas. The siblings reflected on one challenging episode where they attempted to help a homeowner sell her property.
The major obstacle? The owner's vast collection of dolls. Scarlette revealed there were 'like 150 dolls' throughout the house, a detail that both presenters found deeply unsettling.
Stuart admitted, "It was scary. I'm not scared of much but when I went in there, I was like, 'I don't feel comfortable in here'." Scarlette echoed this sentiment, describing the atmosphere as "creepy".
A Tough Conversation With The Homeowner
The presenting duo had to have a candid discussion with the homeowner, explaining that her cherished collection was actively preventing potential buyers from making an offer. They approached the sensitive topic with care, acknowledging her love for the dolls while being frank about market realities.
"We tried to explain to her in as nice a way as possible that the majority of the general public will not [love the dolls]," Stuart explained. The owner eventually agreed to their suggestions, albeit reluctantly. Scarlette confirmed it was a "tough sell", highlighting the kind of brutally honest exchanges that are sometimes necessary to secure a property sale.
Sibling Dynamics and American Ambitions
The interview also touched on the siblings' working relationship, which included a light-hearted disagreement over a stiletto-heeled chair that Scarlette liked but Stuart did not. The dispute was settled by involving their mother, who sided with Scarlette.
Despite such minor squabbles, Stuart affirmed that "It's been really good to work with my sister," though he joked about expecting more sunshine given Scarlette's previous role. Looking forward, Scarlette revealed her ambitions to take the property show format to the United States.
She has been in discussions with US television producers, presenting them with audience figures to demonstrate the format's popularity. "I've learned how to sell myself in the States," she said, adding, "Hopefully, something will come up soon."
The episode of James Martin's Saturday Morning also featured chefs Tommy Banks and Kenny Atkinson preparing a feast, with James Martin himself making a raspberry Mille-Feuille and a Spanish cake. The show airs on ITV on Saturdays at 9.30am.
