Escape to the Chateau stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge have announced what they describe as the 'best news' three years after their popular Channel 4 series was dramatically axed over bullying allegations. The couple, who found fame a decade ago, took to social media to reveal their podcast is set for a major relaunch, marking a significant career move following their television departure.
Behind-the-Scenes Tensions and Show Cancellation
The beloved series, which first aired in 2016 and concluded in 2023, followed the Strawbridge family as they renovated a dilapidated French chateau while raising their two children and running a wedding business. However, the programme's end came amid considerable behind-the-scenes tensions that ultimately led to Channel 4 severing ties with the couple.
In May 2023, it was confirmed that Channel 4 would no longer work with Dick and Angel following an independent investigation into their conduct. The broadcaster stated this decision came 'following a review' after production staff reportedly described the pair as 'spiky and volatile'. The Strawbridges have consistently refuted all bullying claims made against them.
The Leaked Recording Incident
The controversy intensified when a leaked recording surfaced featuring Angel Strawbridge using extremely strong language toward a producer, whom she reportedly called a 'f***ed up little c**t'. Last summer, Angel spoke publicly for the first time about the incident, explaining she felt provoked and had fallen into what she described as a 'pre-laid trap'.
Angel admitted she wished the incident hadn't occurred but maintained she wouldn't apologise for defending her family. 'I was the one in the wrong for losing my temper, but do you know what, I will not apologise - he was so disrespectful in our house,' she stated during an appearance on the How To Fail podcast. 'If I was to apologise, it would just be disingenuous to me.'
Podcast Relaunch Announcement
Despite the controversy, the Strawbridges are now preparing for a professional comeback. Through an Instagram post, they revealed their podcast would be relaunched with filmed episodes from their 'Chateau Studio'. The couple wrote enthusiastically to their followers: 'After a little break from the world of podcasting, we’re back recording and filming our brand-new podcast.'
They continued: 'Yes, that’s right…you wanted to see more of us, so we are now filming the full episode! We can’t lie…it honestly feels like having a date with each other and with you.' The announcement included an invitation for listeners to submit questions on any subject, indicating their willingness to engage openly with their audience.
Fan Reaction and Support
Devoted fans quickly flooded the comments section with enthusiastic responses. One supporter wrote: 'This is the best news! Cannot wait,' while another exclaimed: 'HALLELUJAH! So happy you’re coming back to the pod!' Additional comments expressed how much followers had missed the couple's content, with one noting: 'So thrilled that we get to have our favourite family back in our homes!'
Life After Television
Last year, Dick and Angel reflected on their post-television lives, remaining defiant about their decision to leave Channel 4. They told Devon Live that removing cameras from their family life was 'the right thing to do', allowing them to focus more on their children's education and wellbeing as they navigated senior school.
Dick explained their reasoning: 'Back in 2022, we had a huge conversation saying, "before they get all the pressures that young people have in their lives on them, it was time for us to walk away from the Escape".' Escape To The Chateau ultimately aired 50 episodes across nine successful seasons before its conclusion.
Angel's Perspective on the Controversy
Angel provided further context about the incident that led to the leaked recording, describing the producer's behaviour as 'completely unacceptable' and occurring over multiple occasions rather than a single moment. She recalled specific incidents including the producer breaking her children's fishing rods and posting disturbing images on social media.
'He was so horrible with the children,' Angel explained. 'I actually, truly believe that because he knew he was caught, I think in my heart, that is why he set up this filming.' She acknowledged the global attention the incident received, saying: 'I couldn't believe the momentum that everything took. I just had to focus on the family, the business.'
While expressing some regret about her language choice, Angel maintained her stance: 'I probably wish that I hadn't said the c-word. I don't even like that word. But I stand proud for just defending myself at that moment against his behaviour.' She also suggested gender might have influenced how the situation was perceived, noting: 'There's a lot of people that make a great living out of that. There probably is a bit of truth in that.'
The Strawbridges' podcast relaunch represents a new chapter for the couple as they reconnect with their audience through a different medium, three years after their television journey concluded amid considerable controversy and public scrutiny.
