Escape to the Chateau fans have been left "heartbroken" after tuning into the last-ever episode of the Channel 4 favourite. The programme first launched in 2016 and followed husband and wife team Dick Strawbridge and Angel Adoree who traded their two-bed apartment in Essex for an abandoned French chateau and documented their efforts to restore it to its former glory.
Dick and Angel, who share the luxury home with their two children, delighted viewers when the show returned for its ninth series in October, however, the couple recently revealed the show's Christmas Extravaganza, which aired on Sunday, December 18, would be the last.
In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, the family officially signed off as they thanked fans for being a part of their journey, which has taken place over an eight-year period. The pair said there wouldn't "be a dry eye in the house" as they reminisced on the adventure.
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The full statement, which was posted prior to the episode airing, read: "Only a few hours to go until our Christmas Extravaganza!! Today is a special day here for us, apart from being the coldest, it’s the first day in 'as long as we can’t quite remember', that we are relaxing and winding down for Christmas.
"Arthur & Dorothy broke up from school on Friday and yesterday was dedicated to getting the house stocked for Christmas and being taxis for the children's social lives, but today we go with the flow, and 'smell the roses'.
"We can't quite believe tonight is the finale of Escape to the Chateau! What an incredible journey we have been on these last 8 years. THANK YOU for being a part of it...
"We will be sitting down to watch as a family, which is another first as the children are normally in bed, and we're sure there won't be a dry eye in the house as we reminisce over our Chateau adventure and re-watch all our family and friends kicking up their heels at our biggest Christmas party yet!
"We hope you enjoy the episode and we will be raising a glass to 'The end of a chapter, but most certainly not the end of the book.'
"Have a wonderful Christmas, cherish every moment with your loved ones and from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for inviting us into your home. Love, Dick, Angel, Arthur & Dorothy (& Petale)."
Responding, one fan wrote: "I am so broken hearted that seeing you each week is going to end. In Australia we are still on season 6 but they go around on repeat and I keep watching.
"The love for each [other] and your home shines through in every episode. It really is one of my all time favourite shows on the telly. Please give us the odd peek back into your lives but I wish you all the very best in your next journey."
While another added: "It was magnificent and you will be missed, it was perfect Sunday viewing. I loved all the crafts and making and reusing things so inspiring. you are a wonderful loving family and I wish you all the happiness for the future." For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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