We all sometime wonder what it must be like to be in the limelight, how would we handle it? Our opportunity came along this summer when we got through the selection process to be filmed for A New Life in the Sun. A reality TV show that follows the lives of expats who have moved to a place with a lot more sunshine to start a business.

Sounds like us, doesn’t it? We were that rain weary couple who had moved to France in search of a new life…in the sun. So one bright spring morning a very enthusiastic young cameraman arrived on our doorstep for the start of what was going to be several filming interludes throughout the summer.

Reality hit

What had we let ourselves in for? We were miked for sound and the camera was ready to roll. And this was a proper camera, you know, like a movie camera not just a mobile phone. Chris, our first friendly cameraman followed us virtually everywhere on and off for about 4 days. We did have the odd respite when we were sleeping, and we were allowed toilet breaks. To be honest though after the first morning we just kind of forgot that he was there.

Our next friendly cameraman was James. By this stage we were well into the summer and felt like seasoned pros. We’d stopped feeling embarrassed by the fact that everywhere we went, we had a guy carrying a massive camera pointed in our direction following us. With a ready smile, a swish of the hair and sunglasses popped on our heads in celebrity fashion we were ready for the next shot. Ah, maybe not. More like mopping sweat off our brows and hoping it wasn’t running into our eyes. Our second week of filming was one of the hottest on record in France.

What happened next

And so the summer continued. We had amazingly patient guests and clients who graciously allowed themselves to become a part of our summer story. And now, in the depths of winter season 5 of A New Life in the Sun is about to air on Channel 4 in the UK. And to be honest we’re feeling a little nervous. It feels strange to realise that our lives and who we are will be out there for all to see.

So, if you want to get to know us a little better. We’ll be on in the last week in Jan on Channel 4 @ 16h00 UK time. And for all of those who are working you’ll be able to get us on catch up via channel4.com A New Life in the Sun episodes 16 – 20.