A Place In The Sun host Laura Hamilton has spoken of her sadness after a house hunter who appeared on the show died in the wildfires devastating southern Spain.
Malcolm Timbrell and Annette Kilgore, from Cornwall, had bought a retirement home in the village of Bédar in Almeria. Since early July, wildfires have torn through parts of France, Spain and Portugal, forcing more than 300,000 people to evacuate. Andalusia, where the couple lived, is among the most fire-prone regions in Spain, along with Galicia, Valencia and Castilla y León.
'That was devastating'
Laura, 44, told us: "That was devastating. That was in the devastating fires in Spain."
The couple found their dream home in the sun for £200,000 with the help of Laura's co-star Leah Charles-King back in 2023.
"It was Leah's house hunters and she had been filming with those people and you know, I get it," Laura shared. "I can't even begin actually... Leah must've... It must just be awful for her because she helped them. All I can say is I feel so awful for the poor couple and their families. And everyone, actually, who has been effected by the fires, it's very sad," she added.
'We have had an amazing life together'
Last month, Malcolm told BBC News at Six he had become separated from Annette, 69, and their friends as flames engulfed their home. He said: "We have had an amazing life together and now it's stopped. If we had done the sensible thing and gone the other way and let our cats die, we both would be alive. But when you've got animals, you don't think like that."
At the time, Malcolm said he was waiting on "DNA clarification", adding: "And after that, I will probably just fall apart."
Spanish reports have since confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the blaze, including Annette.
'Deepest condolences'
Laura's co-star Jasmine Harman also paid tribute on Instagram: "You may have seen on the news that Spain has been experiencing some terrible wildfires, and I was so sad to hear of the tragic deaths of several people in Bédar. Sending deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones. Especially to Malcolm, who previously appeared with his wife Annette on A Place in the Sun. I don't really have the words to say how very sorry I am for your loss, Malcolm. I know we have never met, I can't imagine what you are going through right now. Sending thoughts and prayers. RIP Annette and others."
Another tragedy
In more heartbreaking news, Laura recently told followers she witnessed the death of a 19-year-old man while walking along a beach in Montpellier, southern France, after a day of filming. She urged anyone planning to enter the sea to exercise caution and pay attention to warning signs before going into the water.
Episodes of Property with Laura Hamilton are released every Friday at 5pm on her YouTube channel. Her new home brand, Laura Hamilton Home, will also be launching soon with curated wall art collections.
