Dick and Angel Strawbridge have announced they are returning to screens with a new series of Escape to the Chateau. In a video shared on Instagram, the couple said the brand new series is now available to watch on the Home Channel in South Africa, teasing “some big changes” in the upcoming season.
Couple's rise to fame on Channel 4
The couple, who married in 2015, rose to fame on Escape to the Chateau, which followed them renovating a 19th-century property in France. While transforming the Chateau from its derelict state, raising their children, and starting a business hosting weddings and events, their Channel 4 series became a firm favourite with fans.
It premiered in 2016, running for nine seasons before Channel 4 announced its axe. A statement from Channel 4 read at the time: “Following a review, we have taken the decision not to work with Dick and Angel on any new productions in the future.”
Fans react to the announcement
In their video, the couple said: “Hello you gorgeous lot in South Africa, we’re delighted to say our brand new series of Escape to the Chateau is available to watch on the Home Channel.” They added: “Oh and let’s just say, there are some big changes in this season. We don’t want to give too much away, but life at the Chateau is never dull. We really hope you enjoy it!”
Fans from all over the world shared their support, begging for the new series in other countries. One wrote: “Oooohh i hope Australia gets it soon pleeeeease! Love you guys.” Another said: “The United States misses the show for years now.... please come back.” Someone else added: “Oh I can’t waiiiiiit!!!”
Previous decision to end the series
The couple previously spoke about Escape to the Chateau ending, telling Hello! in 2023 that the decision was partly motivated by their children growing up. “It was two years ago that we decided to end the Escape to the Chateau series,” Dick said. “We made the decision because the kids are growing older, and all the parallel activity was not sustainable at this level. We are doers and we are never going to stop completely, but we're also protecting them. Arthur is starting senior school and the pressure on our little ones is phenomenal. When he goes there, people may have heard that his parents have done stuff on television.”
They later revived the series, telling Country and Town House: “Every year, we decide what to do next, and for the last five or six years we've included the children in that conversation. Series 10 existed because there was such big change within the family – Arthur is a young man now, Dorothy's a young woman.” Escape to the Chateau is available to watch on Channel 4.
