Channel 4 has announced that it will no longer work with the stars of long-running property show Escape to the Chateau.
The broadcaster has dropped Dick Strawbridge and Angel Adoree from any future productions after wrapping up the series after nine seasons last year. Escape to the Chateau followed the pair as they swapped life in Essex for a dilapidated 19th century French retreat.
However, Birmingham Live has reported insiders' comments about the pair, who are said to have been "spiky" to work with. Sources told the Daily Mail that the pair were "volatile" and hid their genuine personalities on screen.
An insider said: "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 off screen. They're just spiky and volatile people - and as you can imagine, that's a nightmare to work with."
The pair have been accused of bullying film crews in the past. Allegations first reported in 2021 claimed the couple were "aggressive and abusive" – behaviour that might have been tolerated in the past, but not now.
The source added: "After the first fallout, Dick and Angel had significant leverage with Channel 4, so they weren't able to replace them; it was less-woke times then. But because we now live in much more woke times, Channel 4 can't be seen to be connected to that type of behaviour, it just doesn't wash now."
A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "Following a review, we have taken the decision not to work with Dick and Angel on any new productions in the future."
Two Rivers Media, which produced the show, confirmed it has also cut ties with the couple and will no longer work with them. "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," said a source familiar with the situation told Deadline.
A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that we will no longer work with Dick and Angel and cannot comment further at the moment." A representative for Dick and Angel has been contacted for comment.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here.
