During a repeat episode of A Place in the Sun broadcast on Wednesday, June 10, host Jean Johansson was moved to tears after learning about a couple's heartbreaking family loss. Welsh couple Darren and Joanne were searching for a holiday home on the Costa del Sol with a budget of £205,000.
Joanne revealed that her brother Matt had died of cancer at age 27, and one of their final conversations was him urging her to 'live the dream'. She said: 'My brother sadly passed away ten years ago and one of our last conversations was that I had to make sure that we have as much fun as possible and live the dream with our children.'
The couple viewed several properties before submitting an offer of £170,000 on an apartment. After their initial offer was rejected, a second bid of £178,000 was accepted, leaving Joanne overcome with emotion. She said: 'I do feel emotional, I just know this is what my brother would want and I am sure he is just looking down now with a big smile on his face.'
Visibly moved, Jean responded: 'I am so happy, I've never been happier for a couple.' Joanne added: 'We can now live the dream in my brother's memory. The family can come here and think about him, my mum and dad just feel so close to Matt when we are at the beach.'
Speaking after the episode originally aired in May 2024, Joanne told the programme that they are 'definitely living the dream' and get emotional when they walk through the door, as the home is so linked to her brother, who loved the beach.
