Channel 4 to launch new property series to compete with A Place In The Sun

SUNSEEKING viewers can enjoy a new Channel 4 property series which is set to compete with A Place In The Sun.

Escape to Florida will follow the lives of expats who have swapped the UK for sunnier climes.

Waddell Media was commissioned by Channel 4 for the series supported by Northern Ireland Screen.

Over 450,000 Brits currently live in the Sunshine State, enticed by affordable property prices, a lack of income tax, and of course, warm weather.

Florida has everything for Brits, from shops selling British food to English bars.

But it also has gators, manatees, and Mickey Mouse.

There is so much to discover for Brits wanting a new life abroad.

Senior Commissioning Editor Jayne Stanger said, “We all dream of living the good life and many Brits are lured by the sunshine, beaches and lack of language barrier that Florida has to offer.

"Plenty of Brits travel there on holiday but what could it really be like to navigate living and working in a state that has no income tax but plenty of extreme weather and alligators!"

Jannine Waddell MBE, MD of Waddell Media, said: “This is a super-exciting commission for us.

"Thousands of compelling, highly motivated characters have decided to take the plunge and make the life-changing decision to move to the Sunshine State. We can’t wait to tell these amazing stories.”

Head of Lifestyle, Jo Street added: “Our commitment to tell British stories, made by British companies for British audiences continues.

"We loved this positive and sunny format when it came in via the Sunshine Property brief we ran earlier this year, and it's brilliant to work with the talented team at Waddell Media again."

A Place in the Sun helps viewers find their perfect property abroad and the programme was first broadcast on Channel 4 in 2000.

Since then, the show has helped scores of Brits find the perfect property abroad.

The presenters include Jasmine Harman, Laura Hamilton, Ben Hillman, Jean Johansson, Lee Juggurnauth, Leah Charles-King and Craig Rowe.

Escape to Florida was submitted as part of the Channel’s property tender earlier this year, which has led to the commissioning of several property formats. 

More details about Escape to Florida will be released nearer to the show's transmission date.