BRING US SUNSHINE

As A Place in the Sun celebrates 25 years on our TV screens, its glamorous presenters talk tricky house hunters, wardrobe disasters... and why filming in hot foreign climes doesn't always guarantee balmy weather

- EXCLUSIVE By Fran Winston

A QUARTER of a century ago Amanda Lamb, then 29 and at that point best known as the face of Scottish Widows insurance, started presenting a brand-new daytime property show which helped fuel Britons' dreams of owning a dream home abroad.

Channel 4's A Place in the Sun quickly proved a hit thanks to its sun-kissed locations, stunning homes and inspirational stories about people seeking their own small piece of paradise.

Aside from offering escapism, the show provided practical tips and featured ordinary house hunters with realistic budgets.

In turn, they were supported by friendly and knowledgeable presenters who genuinely cared about finding the perfect property for their TV client.

Today it's easy to switch on the television and find an episode of A Place in the Sun on some channel, whether that's a repeat or new episode, such is its perpetual popularity.

The show now boasts several property experts dedicated to helping people find their dream properties abroad, while destinations have broadened far beyond Spain and the South of France.

What hasn't changed is the basic format of the programme (even if more people are buying holiday homes rather than a permanent base abroad).

And neither has the team of dedicated presenters who add a touch of glamour to the poolside chats.

No wonder we're all still watching!

LUCY ALEXANDER

AFTER longing for her own sunny getaway, Homes Under the Hammer presenter Lucy, 55, joined A Place in the Sun in 2023, only to discover it wasn't all sunshine and gentle breezes on the costas.

"The first time I got asked to do a shoot I did not know what to expect as it was last-minute and I had no time to prepare," she explains. "I didn't know how unpredictable Spanish weather could be and had no clue what I was in for.