A Lancashire couple has appeared on the latest episode of Channel 4 property show, Love it or List it – but viewers were quick to call out presenter, Kirstie Allsopp, after it aired.
In the show, presenters and property experts, Kirstie and Phil Spencer, solve home and renovation conundrums, coming to the rescue of families struggling to decide whether to keep loving their home – or list it for sale.
In this episode, Kirstie and Phil head back to Lancashire to meet Alex and Danny, who back in 2017, were in turmoil over their 1950s semi in Preston.
Alex, Danny and Phil Spencer in their new Darwen home
Alex wanted to stay in the quiet cul-de-sac they were already living in, but Danny was keen to up sticks for the country life.
Kirstie embarked on a momentous loft conversion that she still claims is the best one she’s ever done, whilst Phil pulled some cracking properties out of the bag, making Alex and Danny’s decision extremely tough.
Four years on, Phil returns to see what Alex and Danny did next, whether there have been any new additions to the family and where they decided was best to start their family.
Despite initially deciding the settle in their Preston home earlier in the episode, the couple later had a change of heart opting to ditch their newly converted three bedroom home in Preston for one in Darwen.
Their new impressive house, with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, has “phenomenal views” and potential to be Danny and Alex’s forever home.
Thanks to a job upgrade and some financial help from their grand parents, the couple were able to afford the £440,000 home.
In the episode, Phil goes onto the describe the home.
He said: “Danny and Alex have, in the end, gone for this impressive, recently extended five bed three bath home in Darwen.
“The original 1920s property was extended a few years ago to create a fabulous family home.”
“There’s plenty of living space downstairs for three generations. The huge contemporary dining kitchen has a handy utility to the side and it’s connected to a cosy lounge, full of character.
“The fantastic living space is not all they have on the ground floor- there are amazing spaces everywhere I turn.”
The guest bedroom even offers a view of the countryside from the comfort of a deep bath tub, there is a music room for Danny and a playroom for their baby, Freddie.
However, the show-stopper of the property was the master bedroom which Phil described as “vast”.
The bed faces a large window, meaning Danny and Alex can wake up to a gorgeous and rural view.
Speaking about their new home to Phil, Danny said: “You helped a lot in helping us getting the house where we wanted it to be.
“In hindsight, we wouldn’t have spent money on house after [filming the show] knowing we were going to move anyway.
“But for now we are very happy.”
Alex said: “It’s the old Preston house but on steroids with character. Now as a family we are settled. We are here now and this is home.”
After the latest episode of Love it or List It aired last week, fans took to Twitter and were eager to comment on the couple’s property journey.
However, many were more interested in commenting on Kirstie’s latest controversy.
Kirstie recently hit the headlines after suggesting that people should give up their gym memberships, daily coffees and Netflix subscriptions in order to get on the property ladder.
Kirstie Allsopp Channel 4/PA)
Speaking to the Sunday Times, she said: “When I bought my first property, going abroad, the EasyJet, coffee, gym, Netflix lifestyle didn’t exist.
“I used to walk to work with a sandwich. And on payday I’d go for a pizza, and to a movie, and buy a lipstick.
“Interest rates were 15 per cent, I was earning £11,500 a year.”
She later added: “I don’t want to belittle those people who can’t do it.
“But there are loads of people who can do it and don’t. It is hard. We’ve fallen into the trap of saying it’s impossible for everybody…
“It’s about where you can buy, not if you can buy. There is an issue around the desire to make those sacrifices.”
Speaking about the latest episode of Love it or List It in light of the comments, one person said: “Not watching – so out of touch with the real world”.
Another said: “I’m keeping my Costa coffees”.
Speaking about the couple’s property upgrade on the show, one person said: “Blimey, they’ve upgraded after all. Must have cancelled Netflix and knocked Starbucks on the head.”
“Just move to a cheaper area and give up gym membership and Costa coffees,” said a fourth commenter.
However, others were quick to defend Kirstie and the show.
One person wrote: “Had the privilege of your insight and expertise on #LIOLI That was priceless.
“Those who have seen you at work first hand know. Don’t let the populist click squad get you down.”
Another said: “Massive house for a couple and a kid – looks amazing though”.
“The families on it are always just wonderful,” said another. “It reminds me there are so many good people.”
Kirstie has since defended herself and her initial statement, saying:”Either you think I’m an out of touch rich b***h who doesn’t get how hard it is to buy a home in many parts of the UK or you don’t.
“The Times can twist things as much as they want but in the end, it’s down to whether you believe in my empathy, understanding & experience or not.”
Catch up on the episode of Love it or List it on 4OD.
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