Channel 4 has commissioned True North to create a competition-based series set in France.
- The series, ‘A New Life In The Sun: Win a BnB’, is a 15-part spinoff of the popular show.
- British couples will compete over two weeks for the chance to own a French bed and breakfast.
- Competitors will be judged on hospitality, culinary, and business skills to win the B&B.
- Channel 4 aims to introduce more regional productions with this new format.
Channel 4 has taken a fresh approach by commissioning a new series from True North, a production company based in Leeds. The show, titled ‘A New Life In The Sun: Win a BnB’, is a spinoff from the well-loved series ‘A New Life In The Sun’. This 15-part series will see British couples compete in the beautiful setting of France for a life-changing prize. Over two weeks, the contestants will face numerous challenges that test their skills in hospitality, cooking, and business management. Each couple will have to manage real guests, providing an authentic experience of running a bed and breakfast in a foreign country.
As the competition progresses, the number of couples is reduced until only four remain in the final week. These finalists will take turns running the B&B that they hope to win. Throughout the competition, their efforts will be reviewed by their guests, alongside evaluations from an expert B&B inspector and a past participant from the original ‘A New Life In The Sun’ series who has experience setting up a B&B abroad. This adds an exciting and realistic element to the show, as the participants not only strive to outperform each other but also meet the high standards expected in the hospitality industry.
Jo Street, Channel 4’s Head of Lifestyle and Director of Commissioning, expressed confidence in the creative capacity of the producers who responded to Channel 4’s call for new competitive property formats. She highlighted that the proposal from True North perfectly met the channel’s vision for a mix of escapism and competition, set in stunning locations. This new series aims to capture the audience’s imagination by offering more than just entertainment; it provides a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of operating a hospitality business abroad.
Jayne Stanger, Senior Commissioning Editor for Lifestyle, echoed this sentiment by describing the show as embodying the essence of ‘sunny escapism’. The show cleverly combines the allure of French properties with the suspense of competition, creating captivating television content. True North sees this commission as a testament to Channel 4’s commitment to regional productions, which have become a significant part of its programming strategy.
Julie Beanland, Creative Director at True North, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to develop this new format with Channel 4. She recognised the show’s potential to generate opportunities for freelancers across the North of England, indicating the broader impact of the series beyond its immediate entertainment value. As the show’s production unfolds, there is an evident commitment to maintain the high standards that audiences have come to expect from True North’s productions.
This new series promises to deliver both excitement and insight into the journey of owning a B&B, set against the picturesque backdrop of France.
