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'My dad bought house on A Place in the Sun here's what really happens off camera'

When my dad Neil told us he was going to be on telly, we all cringed but his Channel 4 Spain property purchase turned out to be the start of something wonderful for our whole family

[Kelly's dad on A Place in the Sun]

My dad appeared on A Place in the Sun(Image: Supplied)

When my dad announced he was "gonna be on the telly," we all winced with apprehension. Your typical Brit abroad, he's rather fond of a pint, a pie and belting out Piano Man on karaoke - that should give you a hint as to where he ended up...yes, you've got it, Alicante.

Appearing on Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, my dad, Neil and stepmum, Jane told presenter Leah Charles-King about their dream of a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, where they would join the local tennis club (we're still waiting) and immerse themselves in Spanish life.

But ironically, the city experienced the worst wind and rain in nearly a century as they filmed for the series, with several umbrellas - and Jane's hair - struggling to withstand gale-force winds. My family's not the first to have opened up about their experiences on the show, with another couple sharing how the host showed his true colours off-camera.

Just a few hours away by plane, the plan was that they could "pop over" for a long weekend of playing golf and enjoying Sangria and be back at work on Monday without too much hassle - or expense.

Then come summer, they could head over for longer stays, with us children and grandchildren taking turns to stay at the place. To the programme makers, their requirements were that it must be large enough for the family and within walking distance of the beach.

[The couple with A Place in the Sun host Leah Charles-King]

The couple with A Place in the Sun host Leah Charles-King(Image: SUPPLIED)

So after being taken to several properties in the area, they put in an offer on a three-bed house with our words echoing in their ears: "Don't be one of those annoying, time-wasting couples who have no intention of buying a property. You need to buy one so that we can all have cheap holidays."

And that's precisely what they did.

Fast forward three years and the sun-drenched property in the coastal town of Gran Alicant feels like a second home. Merely 10 minutes from the airport, the house can now comfortably accommodate eight guests following recent renovations, and features a patio and rooftop terrace plus access to a communal swimming pool.

A short walk from Masa Square, the locale is a sanctuary for expat Brits who've relocated from the UK seeking warmer weather - while retaining their familiar creature comforts.

At the square, you can tuck into a proper full English breakfast (every bit as good as back home) or a Sunday roast with all the extras. We savoured a delightful meal at The Belfry - a British-operated pub where the carvery featured roughly 15 slow cookers bubbling away - brimming with all the home-style sides you could possibly want.

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The couple visited Alicante(Image: A PLACE IN THE SUN)

And naturally, bargain pints and "holiday measure" spirits.

Every visit, we've been looked after by the same welcoming team - and with some particular eaters amongst us, I'm frequently reminded of the egg and chips scene from the film, Shirley Valentine.

That's not to suggest there aren't authentic Spanish delicacies available at the square, but let's just say this neighbourhood isn't where the Spanish residents typically frequent.

Come evening, both the square and the neighbouring Commercial Centre burst into life with people like my dad who suddenly believe they can carry a tune. I've lost track of how many occasions he's commandeered the microphone from the Scottish bar singer, Kev at The Pub (its actual name) with toe-curling performances of Copacabana and Dignity (ironically).

But the similarly-minded crowd adore it and he's even become something of a local celebrity - he's also begun learning Spanish, which sounds bizarre with his Scouse accent.

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It was only sunny for one day when they appeared on the show(Image: A PLACE IN THE SUN)

Much like its neighbouring resort, Benidorm, Alicante is renowned for its attraction to British expats, but without the stag and hen parties.

"We've always wanted to escape the grey British weather and Alicante felt like the perfect place to start this next chapter," dad and Jane told the show.

"We love that we can enjoy the sunshine while still having a bit of Britain with us, it's the best of both worlds."

When the programme was broadcast, dad and Jane were thrust into the limelight in the local press with headlines claiming they were "split" over which house to choose.

Armed with a maximum budget of 110,000, it was presenter Leah who helped their hunt for the ideal property in her bright green suit, which my dad quipped: "looked like a fruit salad."

[The happy couple on A Place in the Sun]

The happy couple on A Place in the Sun(Image: A PLACE IN THE SUN)

After an initial choice between two possible options, dad and Jane eventually decided on the townhouse we've all grown to adore.

It was formerly owned by another British ex-pat who'd intended to use it more as a long-term residence during his retirement. That was until the new Brexit rules meant Brits could only remain for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa.

Fortunately for dad and Jane, the weather brightened for a sunny conclusion to the saga as they secured the property - complete with all its furnishings - for a steal at 106,723.

In a follow-up conversation with the programme afterwards, Jane said: "I'm just blown away that we could get a whole house for our budget, I had only expected to get a flat."

There's also a sense that it was destiny as the previous owner had christened the apartment "Casa Jaime."

The purchase was made possible with the inheritance from Jane's mum Pearl, who lovingly called her "Jai" so the house has been re-christened "Casa Jai" in her honour.

So if you're ever in Alicante and happen to encounter them, whatever you do, don't ask my dad for any karaoke requests.

[Kelly Williams]

Kelly Williams

Kelly joined the Daily Star as Assistant News Editor (Live) in 2022 after 14 years at North Wales Live (Daily Post), where she rose from senior reporter to Head of News. Her journalism career began in North Wales in 2005 after graduating with a degree in Journalism and working on a number of weekly and daily titles including the North Wales Pioneer, Evening Leader and Wirral Globe. Since then she's won and been shortlisted for several awards and appeared on a number TV crime documentaries. Kelly recently celebrated 20 years in journalism and now works for the Daily Star's Live News Network.

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