A Place in the Sun is back with a fresh series on Channel 4, and Glasgow’s own Jean Johansson has shared insights into the poignant tales and behind-the-scenes chats with those taking part.
The Glaswegian presenter journeyed to South West France and Spain, where she met NHS workers Rooman and Richard, as well as an ex-police officer and his partner.
In an upcoming episode, Jean guides Rooman and Richard around Fuengirola, Spain, in search of their perfect holiday retreat, while also forming a meaningful connection with them off-camera.
Jean disclosed: “Richard and Roo I’m very much still in touch with, it’s kind of a show where the stakes are a little bit higher.”
She recounted the timing of the show: “We were just out of Covid, life was just getting back to normal and I can only imagine what this doctor and nurse had been seeing. They needed a place to escape to, a place to relax, I really wanted to help them with that.”
Jean mentioned spending “a lot of time with the couple off-camera”, enjoying meals or drinks together.
Expressing her admiration for the healthcare professionals, Jean added: “We all have respect and love for the NHS but after we had just come out of the pandemic I really wanted to do right by them.”
Reflecting on the longevity of the show, she observed: “I think it’s what keeps A Place In The Sun going for all these years, the house hunters are so different and just to get personal stories that are a bit more layered has been lovely.”
Jean also noted the personal connection she felt with the couple: “Roo and Richard were quite a similar age to me so we would have a glass of wine after wrap, we have a lot in common.”
“We just really clicked on and off camera so it’s been nice to keep in touch with them because they do such great work.”
“They are busy guys but we always make time for a text or phone call.”
A particularly moving experience for Jean was assisting a former police officer who suffered from PTSD. She shared her feelings on the matter: “He was a policeman who retired early because his job was hard going and he had a bit of PTSD as well.”
“It was really personal, it was someone who had to get away from the UK and all the triggers of his previous job, so it’s a lot of pressure on that one.”
Explaining the ex-officer’s wishes, she continued: “It was ‘I need to change my life, I need to get away from all the stresses and the things that trigger my PTSD. I want a quiet life in France’.”
Jean commented on the responsibility she felt in fulfilling this house hunt: “It needed to be quiet, peaceful, everything their previous life wasn’t.”
She concluded by reflecting on the importance of the task: “It was a search where the stakes were much higher for me. Without giving anything away there’s a beautiful ending where all three of us were in tears.”
A Place in the Sun airs on Channel 4 at 3pm