A Channel 5 reality show is looking for participants from Somerset for their latest series this spring. 'Rich House, Poor House' follows wealthy families swapping with poorer families for seven days.
A representative for the hour-long programme, which is set to air on Channel 5 and Netflix later this year, explained: "Using a unique blend of psychological, sociological and TV wizardry, each episode features two family groups swapping homes, budgets and lifestyles for a week. While there’s a contrast in their financial circumstances, the two family groups in each episode might be matched by the things they have in common.
"The ambition of the programme is to look at how much money matters to happiness through their eyes as they experience life at the other end of the wealth divide. The family groups’ perspectives give a thought-provoking and fascinating insight into how we live our lives.
"Will they discover they have more in common than they thought despite their financial circumstances? Or will they learn that money divides us?".
In a recent episode, millionaire property developer couple Liv and Gal swap homes with struggling family-of-four the Wings. At the end of the episode, Liv and Gal pay off the family's debt and offer to train them in property development. Mrs Wing was brought to tears by their generosity: "I'm speechless, I've got nothing to say other than thank you so much!".
Wealth equality is a hot button issue in the UK, including in Somerset where the gap between the haves and have-nots can seem very pronounced. In Bath, a property on the Royal Crescent was recently put up for sale for £5.5 million. On the other hand, many Bathonians live in underfunded suburbs. In 2021, the Office for National Statistics found that 62.8% of households in Twerton face deprivation.
The show, which launched in 2017, will be filming between now and May. Producers say that those who apply will not have made a commitment at this early stage and can bow out if they choose.
Somerset families can apply for the latest series online or by emailing RHPH@emporiumproductions.co.uk. You can watch episodes of the show on Channel 5's website.
