Amanda Holden and Alan Carr's Greek Job: TV's Most Feelgood Duo Captivates Millions
In a television landscape often crowded with predictable formats, Amanda & Alan's Greek Job has emerged as a delightful exception, pulling in an impressive 4 million viewers and instantly hailed as a contender for TV moment of the year. The BBC series, which premiered in early January, combines celebrity travelogue with renovation show elements, but it's the high-wattage charisma and genuine friendship of its stars that truly elevates it above the usual daytime fare.
A Friendship Forged Over Two Decades
At the heart of the show's success is the downright adorable dynamic between Amanda Holden and Alan Carr, who have been close friends for over 20 years. Their chemistry is palpable, whether they're getting stuck into ouzo, visiting a spa and being told off for laughing too much in the Jacuzzi, or engaging in Holden's shameless attempts to matchmake Carr with every eligible male they encounter on the idyllic Ionian island of Corfu.
One memorable scene sees Holden signing Carr up for a gay dating app, gasping delightedly at the detailed measurements required. "This is an eye-opener!" she exclaims, showcasing the pair's playful banter. Carr, riding high after his triumphant stint in The Celebrity Traitors, brings his infectiously funny presence, while Holden proves to be a force of nature—enjoyably sweary, self-deprecating, and armed with a scene-stealing filthy laugh.
From Derelict Wreck to Dream Home
The eight-part series follows the duo as they tackle their most run-down property yet in the hillside village of Kokkini. Upon first inspection, they're horrified to find mushrooms growing on the ceiling and even a human turd on the floor. Undeterred, they set about transforming this money pit into a high-spec family holiday home, having purchased it for £30,000 with plans to sell it for £585,000.
Importantly, all profits from the sale go to Comic Relief and Children in Need, adding a heartwarming philanthropic layer to the show. The series also has a pleasing side-effect of boosting tourism in the areas visited, making it more than just a source of interiors and holiday inspiration.
Beyond the Renovation: Culture, Cuisine, and Candid Moments
After mucking in with construction work during the day, Holden and Carr explore Corfu's rich culture by night. In one standout sequence, Alan is taught to cook traditional dishes by a Greek grandmother, or yiayia, who has absolutely no time for his nonsense. Inspired by Gerald Durrell's Corfu Trilogy, they also volunteer at an animal sanctuary, where Alan bonds with rescue donkeys and Amanda feeds street cats—eventually agreeing to take two of them home to the UK.
Amid the jolly jaunts and sunkissed japes, the pair share surprisingly intimate moments. Over Aperol spritz sundowners and a bowl of "Greek Quavers", they have poignant heart-to-hearts about ageing, Alan's divorce, and Amanda's stillborn son. Yet, they also rip the piss out of each other in the sort of amusingly brutal ways only proper best friends can, such as when Alan points out that Amanda's breasts have mysteriously grown since the previous series.
A Growing Franchise with Mediterranean Roots
This is actually the fourth Mediterranean DIY series for the A-team, following their Italian, Tuscan, and Spanish adventures. The format, likened to a lifestyle version of The Trip, began with Amanda & Alan's Italian Job, where they snapped up two run-down apartments in rural Sicily for one euro apiece. Subsequent seasons took them to Tuscany and Andalucía, with a Christmas special featuring lethal sherry trifle and skinny-dipping in Santa hats.
With episodes clocking in at a snackable 28 minutes, Greek Job is fiendishly watchable, offering a perfect escape from the winter blues. Complete with a Demis Roussos soundtrack, it's like a midlife gap year with Shirley Valentine vibes—an immersive Mamma Mia! cinema experience without leaving your sofa.
What's Next for the Dynamic Duo?
As Greek Job climaxes with a double bill on Friday—featuring Holden's long-awaited circular bath and Alan flirting with a builder actually called Adonis—Carr is already set to capitalise on this success. His upcoming Disney+ series, Castle Man, will document his search for a dream historic home as he approaches his 50th birthday, positioning him as a sort of camp Kevin McCloud.
In the meantime, viewers can immerse themselves in the shiny, happy world of Amanda & Alan's Greek Job, where the water's warm, the laughter is loud, and watching feels like going on holiday with your two most outrageous mates.
