A former solider turned property developer has revealed he formed a firm friendship with his poverty pal after appearing on Channel 5 's Rich House Poor House.
Steven Green, 45, alongside his partner Gemma Sharples live in a five bedroom home in Redcar in North Yorkshire and have £1,600 a week to live on after bills. In contrast, they swapped homes with Demi and Ben Gowland-Jeffries, who were living in a rented mid-terrace home in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham along with toddler daughter Lillie.
Viewers watched as wealthy couple Steven and Gemma were confronted with the harsh reality of struggling to make ends meet.
After filming ended, the couple continued to stay in contact with Demi and Ben and offered support to help them turn things around financially.
Speaking to The Sun two years after the programme aired, Steven said: "We're really close with Ben and Demi now.
"We offered Ben a position with us job as a sales and marketing executive in our professional training business, so he's part of our team. He's getting on really well."
As a result of employment in Steven's company, Ben is now earning a £50k salary with Steven as his boss.
It's not just been beneficial for Ben, as Demi has also launched her own beauty business as a result of support from Steven and Gemma. The change in two years is a long way from when the couple had just £57 a week left to cover food, clothes and emergencies. Most days Ben would be eating one meal in order to support daughter Lillie, and the family were eating dishes that cost just 50p per meal.
For Steven, it was a harsh experience: "It took me and Gemma back to our harder times when we particularly struggled. It was really weird. I really felt like I knew these people even though I'd never met them.
"I could just see two people who wanted to create something for their daughter and for themselves and just didn't know how."
Taking part in the Channel 5 show saw both families film with their children. For Steven and Gemma, it was an opportunity to teach daughter Sadie the value of money.
Steven revealed: "It was mainly for my daughter. I've always tried to bring her up the right way and try to make her appreciate money.
"I didn't want her to grow up with this 'take' mentality and we always felt like we'd done the right thing, but until you really put it to the test, you just don't know."
Steven explained how he didn't come from an affluent background, but instead joined the army at a young age and in 2001 was given an opportunity that "transformed" his life. The chance to go on a coaching course then offered the property developer the focus and drive he needed and Steven eventually went on to set up successful property, mindset and coaching firms.
