Following the triumph of “Help! We Bought A Village,” Channel 4 and True North are thrilled to announce the extension of the Help! series. With over 20 episodes, “Help! We Bought A Village” ignited the imagination of the British public, as an increasing number of Brits abandon their jobs, sell their homes, and pursue their lifelong aspirations to take on this monumental challenge. The second series of “Help! We Bought A Village” is set to return with an additional 30 episodes later this year. Channel 4 has also greenlit two spin-off series: “Help! We Bought A Jungle” and “Help! We Bought A Hotel.”
“Help! We Bought a Jungle” chronicles the journey of a fervent couple embarking on a project of a lifetime – the transformation of a slice of jungle paradise into their ultimate dream abode and business. Patrick and Lindsay, the intrepid couple, have acquired a parcel of jungle in the Seychelles and possess grand ambitions of crafting a two-bedroom residence for themselves, along with two opulent cottages for guests. The series will document their efforts to construct a wholly sustainable, off-grid oasis, contending with blistering 40-degree heat, tempestuous tropical storms, and power disruptions. This 4-part series is scheduled for broadcast on Channel 4 in 2024, with a second series slated for 2025.
“Help! We Bought a Hotel” shadows individuals at various stages of developing their hotel enterprises across the UK and Europe. Viewers will witness these couples purchasing, constructing, restoring, and revamping extraordinary properties in their bid to establish thriving hotel ventures. The six-part series is set to air on More4 in 2024.
Julie Beanland, Creative Director at True North said, “This is fantastic news for everyone on the True North team who’ve worked so hard to make a success of the Help! programmes so far. It is also a huge vote of confidence from Channel 4 in both the Help! franchise and in regional production as we continue to showcase more fantastic contributors following their dreams.
Jayne Stanger, who commissioned the shows for Channel 4 said, “We are delighted to have recommissioned True North to make a second series of the brilliant Help! I Bought A Village, and to have further expanded the franchise, capturing more incredible stories of people chasing their property renovation dreams.”
These programmes were commissioned for Channel 4 and More 4 by Jayne Stanger, Commissioning Editor for Daytime & Features, with Jo Street, Head of Daytime & Features. For True North, Piero Sfreddo serves as Executive Producer, alongside Julie Beanland, True North’s Creative Director, and Leanne Thompson as Line Producer.
