As the faces of Escape to the Chateau, Dick and Angel Strawbridge appeared to be a truly idyllic couple.
For nine seasons, airing from 2016 to 2022, viewers were thoroughly charmed by the pair's passion for renovation and quirky way of life as they set out to restore the magnificent yet derelict 19th-century Château de la Motte-Husson, in Martigné-sur-Mayenne, north-western France.
Inspiring countless DIY enthusiasts with their dedication to the ambitious project - all while raising their two young children and running a wedding business - the Strawbridges quickly became firm TV favourites. Everything changed however when startling accusations began to emerge, with the couple facing allegations of bullying and fierce behind-the-scenes rants.
Last year, Channel 4 told the Mirror that they had decided to part ways with Dick and Angel 'following a review' after years of working on the hugely successful show together, amid rumours of "a deteriorating relationship between [production company] Two Rivers and Dick and Angel's Chateau TV for various reasons".
As the Strawbridges make their surprise TV return, the Mirror takes a look at their alleged 'dark side'...
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Seething rants
Angel allegedly referred to a producer as a 'f****d up little c**t' (Channel 4)Back in May 2023, Deadline reported Channel 4 had cut ties with Dick and Angel after production company Two Rivers Media raised concerns about them, instigating an investigation by an independent HR professional. A source told the publication: "There has been a deteriorating relationship between Two Rivers and Dick and Angel's Chateau TV for various reasons and it all came to a head."
At the time, a Channel 4 spokesperson stated: "Following a review, we have taken the decision not to work with Dick and Angel on any new productions in the future." In 2021 audio obtained by Deadline, a woman alleged to be Angel could be heard ranting at a producer, blasting them as a "f****d up little c**t".
At one point in the fiery clip, the woman could be heard seething: "Who is that inspired by when you're f*****g working at the chateau? Just tell me that and then you can f*****g leave and this is me f*****g angry because I think you're a f****d up little c**t."
Bullying accusations
A source described Dick and Angel as 'spiky and volatile people' (Channel 4)In the same month the shocking audio was leaked, sources close to the Strawbridges told MailOnline that the couple had 'spiky and volatile' personalities away from the cameras, and couldn't be anymore different from their 'gorgeous and lovely' onscreen personas.
The source claimed: "Dick and Angel come across on screen as the most gorgeous and lovely couple, literally like butter wouldn't melt, but they're not like that offscreen.
"It's a full-on show, production is with them at the chateau for weeks so they can't hide their real characters - they can't turn it on for two hours of recording and then not go back to their real persona. They're just spiky and volatile people and, as you can imagine, that's a nightmare to work with."
Response to allegations
The Strawbridges have previously declared that there are 'two sides to every story'.Breaking their silence regarding the allegations made against them in a defiant Instagram post, shared back in May 2023, Dick and Angel declared there were 'two sides to every story'. The couple wrote: "We know there are lots of stories in the press right now. It's not worth us even trying to comment or give context, because anything can be made into a good headline. We understand. There are two sides to every story and from the incredible support we have received, most of you know that."
Emphasising that they were looking forward to an 'exciting' future, they concluded: "We are proud of who we are, and we feel we must do what we believe to be correct, that is in fact what kept Escape to the Chateau unique, and whilst we have indeed parted ways with Channel 4, we are hugely grateful to them and their teams for their support and creativity over the years. The future truly could not look more exciting and we thank you for your continued love and support. Dick & Angel Xxx."
Surprise comeback
Dick and Angel's Secret France will air Sunday, June 2 at 8pmDick and Angel haven't been seen on telly since late 2022, and have been focusing on other projects, such as their YouTube channel, and their book, The Chateau Forever Home. They'll soon be making their Channel 4 comeback, however, with brand new series Dick and Angel's Secret France set to air Sunday, June 2 at 8pm.
Secret France With Dick & Angel, which sees them explore the side of France few tourists get to see, and was reportedly filmed prior to the explosive recording being leaked. A source told The Sun: "Dick and Angel had filmed this series before the damming recording of Angel was leaked last year. Despite cutting ties with the Strawbridges, it was always the intention that execs would broadcast the show at a later date. Channel 4 have pulled back on publicising the series and haven't changed their position on working with Dick and Angel in the future after their internal review was completed."
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Dick and Angel yesterday confirmed the 'exciting news' themselves in a joyful Instagram post, writing: "We are back on Channel 4 with our brand-new travel series 'Secret France with Dick & Angel' starting Sunday 2nd June at 8pm. It's been an voyage [sic] of discovery and we wanted to find places that were off the beaten path, where tourism hasn’t overshadowed the local culture. We hope you join us on our journey."
A spokesperson for Dick and Angel told The Mirror: "From my perspective, Dick & Angel are delighted that the show will broadcast on Channel 4 next Sunday, 2nd June, and we have been working alongside the Channel 4 press team. Dick & Angel announced last night on social media that the show will be aired, and they have been swamped with positive messages from happy fans. It wouldn't make commercial sense for the Channel to pull back on publicising the series, so it sounds like a rumour."
The Mirror has contacted Dick and Angel's representative for comment as well as Channel 4.
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