BBC One's popular property-hunting programme, Escape To The Country, faced a wave of criticism from viewers following a special celebrity edition that aired on Tuesday. The episode featured 1990s singer Chesney Hawkes, best known for his hit The One And Only, and his wife Kristina, as they searched for a new home.
A Celebrity Search in the Cotswolds
The 54-year-old musician and his spouse were looking to leave their rental property in Surrey and settle in the picturesque Cotswolds. With a substantial budget of £1.3 million, their wish list included a classic countryside home with modern proportions, four double bedrooms, a dedicated music studio, and a garden. Presenter Jules Hudson acknowledged that finding a property ticking all those boxes was a challenging task.
During the show, the couple viewed three homes, including a converted pub in the quiet village of Ashton Keynes. The mystery property, which they favoured, was a sprawling manor house dating back to the 1600s. Despite their interest, the Hawkes concluded their search would continue off-air, with Kristina remarking that the episode had shown them "the Cotswolds is very, very lovely."
Viewer Fury Over 'Filler' Content
However, the programme's deviation from its core premise sparked significant annoyance among its audience. The episode included several detours, such as an impromptu guitar lesson where Chesney taught chords to host Jules, a music quiz, and a sing-along by a fireside.
Taking to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, viewers did not hold back their frustration. One exasperated viewer wrote: "Oh god this filler material is so unnecessary!" Another questioned the entire concept: "What is the point of 'celebrity' version? Just Z-listers looking around houses. No intention of buying anything. Total waste of money."
The criticism was widespread, with further comments including: "Bloody hell don't quit the day job lads," and "For Christ sake BBC. #escapetothecountry." One viewer made a pointed reference to Chesney's famous song, tweeting: "Chesney Hawkes on Escape To The Country, I thought there might be other celebrities, but apparently he's the one and only. #escapetothecountry."
A Pattern of Viewer Skepticism
This is not the first time the celebrity version of the show has raised eyebrows. In a recent episode, presenter Angellica Bell and her husband Michael Underwood hunted for a £1 million dream home in Devon. Viewers were quick to note that her stunning Victorian townhouse in south west London seemed too perfect to leave.
Many took to X to express their doubts, with one user stating: "As if Angellica Bell wants to move to the countryside, I swear @BBC just make these programmes up just to put something on TV." Others echoed the sentiment, claiming there was "zero chance" she would buy a rural property given her current "stunning" home.
Angellica had explained her motivation to own property, telling the camera: "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." Yet, this personal story did little to convince audiences of the authenticity of the house-hunting mission.
The recurring viewer complaint centres on the perceived lack of genuine intent to purchase from the celebrity participants, turning what is meant to be a factual property programme into light entertainment, which has left a portion of its loyal audience dissatisfied.
