BBC's Dynamic Duo Trade Mediterranean Sun for Nordic Chill in New Series
Television favourites Alan Carr and Amanda Holden are set to embark on a dramatically different adventure for the fifth series of their hit BBC1 property renovation programme. After four consecutive summers battling scorching temperatures across southern Europe, the presenting pair will be packing anoraks instead of swimwear as they head north to Scandinavia.
A Refreshing Change of Climate and Concept
While previous series have unfolded beneath the intense Mediterranean sun in locations including Italy, Spain, and Greece, the upcoming instalment will embrace the cooler climates of either Sweden or Norway. This represents a significant departure for the programme, which has consistently featured sun-drenched renovations until now.
"The producers are looking at Sweden or Norway for the next one," Carr exclusively revealed. "I think maybe it will be an eco-house up there. It will probably be an igloo or something, knowing them." The comedian expressed enthusiasm for the change of scenery, noting that "there's only so many times you can sort of look at a tile in the heat and go, 'You need this...'"
From Sweaty Summers to Nordic Practicalities
The contrast in working conditions promises to be substantial. Previous filming has taken place during sweltering European summers, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius during The Italian Job in 2022. Similar conditions persisted through subsequent series in Tuscany, Andalusia, and most recently on the Greek island of Corfu for the currently airing The Greek Job.
By comparison, average July temperatures in northern Norway hover around just 10 degrees Celsius, while southern regions and Sweden typically experience milder conditions around 20 degrees. "It will be so nice to not be working in the searing heat," Carr admitted, highlighting the physical relief the cooler climate will provide.
Embracing Sustainable Scandinavian Design
The new project is expected to focus heavily on sustainable construction and energy efficiency, aligning with Scandinavian architectural principles. Production is likely to incorporate natural materials, superior insulation techniques, and possibly features such as solar panels or green moss roofs. Timber construction, a staple of Nordic building traditions, will almost certainly feature prominently.
Carr sees the technical challenge as a personal progression, noting his improved DIY skills over four series. "I have got much better," he reflected. "I was thinking, the latter end of The Greek Job, I was actually enjoying it, and I've never, ever enjoyed DIY." The presenter now feels ready for more complex projects beyond Mediterranean tile selection.
Charitable Mission and Practical Logistics
The programme's successful charitable model will continue unchanged. Each renovated property is sold with all profits donated to the BBC's Children in Need charity. Previous projects have generated substantial returns, including Italian properties purchased for just one Euro that later sold for £125,000 and £185,000 respectively, and a Spanish house bought for £55,000 that achieved over £200,000 at sale.
Practical considerations influence the Scandinavian location choice. Remaining within Europe allows Holden to maintain her Heart Radio breakfast show commitments, travelling back and forth during filming. The 54-year-old presenter's broadcasting schedule necessitates relatively accessible European locations rather than more distant international destinations.
A Friendship Forged Through Renovation
The presenting partnership has flourished through four series of challenging renovations. "We muck in and we encourage each other," explained Holden about their collaborative dynamic. Their friendship has deepened significantly since the programme began, with the pair now communicating daily outside of filming.
"We are the same," Holden elaborated. "We laugh at the same stuff." Their bond was tested only when Carr participated in The Traitors, with Holden noting she didn't hear from him for three weeks during filming. Following Carr's success on the celebrity edition, Holden is now in discussions to appear in the next series herself.
As production prepares to shift from Mediterranean villas to Scandinavian eco-homes, viewers can anticipate the same engaging chemistry between the presenters, but within a completely new environmental and architectural context. The change promises fresh challenges, innovative sustainable design, and perhaps fewer sunburn incidents for the popular BBC duo.
