Caught in the middle of a reported fall out with Channel 4, Escape to the Chateau 's Dick and Angel Strawbridge announced last month that they would be stepping away from the show to spend more time with their family.
It marked the end of an era, with millions having followed the couple in their quest to turn a decrepit French chateau into a plush wedding venue with ceremonies costing £38,000.
With their endearing banter, eccentricities and unshakable family values, the programme at the Château de la Motte-Husson in Martigné-sur-Mayenne, France, made for wholesome viewing.
But that image was shattered by claims of 'bullying' with one ex-employee reportedly likening working with them to being in an 'abusive relationship' - something that the couple have strenuously denied.
"If you asked every single person on our team, they would all say that Dick is completely chivalrous," Angel told The Telegraph.
"He will always be that person opening doors, helping people, and if anyone upsets me, he will be the first person to take control of the situation. He is very protective."
She continued: "These anonymous people – we don't know who they are – we probably only met once. One of them, the main one we think, we only met for a couple of hours.
"The people who were here for any length of time were family; the kids knew them and we really opened up our world to them, so you can imagine that it felt very sad to read a lot of that stuff."
So what happened to spark such a dramatic turn of events? Here, we take a look at what others claim is the darker side of Dick and Angel...
Leaked Audio
In leaked audio obtained by Deadline, a woman alleged to be Angel was heard launching a 'foul-mouthed rant' at a producer.
At one point in the clip from 2021, the woman calls the unknown recipient of her wrath a 'f***ed up little c***'.
Grilling producers about a delay to the schedule, she then takes umbrage with a picture posted by the team on social media of a man who resembled her husband.
"Who is that inspired by when you're f*****g working at the chateau? Just tell me that and then you can f*****g leave and this is me f*****g angry because I think you're a f****d up little c**t," she raged.
The pair initially declined to comment then released a statement insisting there are 'two sides to every story'.
Writing a lengthy post on Instagram, the pair shared: "Thank you for inviting us into your living rooms. You have watched our children grow up and shared our adventures.
"It was a Strawbridge Family decision early last year to conclude 'Escape to the Chateau', but we have loved every moment and, despite the many challenges, we refused to give up on our dream, and in doing so have filled the chateau with love and laughter, and, most importantly, have created the most wonderful home for our family."
They added: "We know there are lots of stories in the press right now. It's not worth us even trying to comment or give context, because anything can be made into a good headline. We understand.
"There are two sides to every story and from the incredible support we have received, most of you know that."
Concluding their statement, they shared: "We are proud of who we are, and we feel we must do what we believe to be correct, that is in fact what kept Escape to the Chateau unique, and whilst we have indeed parted ways with Channel 4, we are hugely grateful to them and their teams for their support and creativity over the years.
"The future truly could not look more exciting and we thank you for your continued love and support. Dick & Angel Xxx."
Bullying Claims
Just days after Channel 4 told the Mirror they had decided to part ways with Dick and Angel "following a review" after years of working together, claims of 'bullying' surfaced.
A source alleged that away from the cameras, the couple had a much darker side, which both have denied.
"Dick and Angel come across on screen as the most gorgeous and lovely couple, literally like butter wouldn't melt, but they're not like that off-screen," the insider told the Daily Mail.
"It's a full-on show, production is with them at the chateau for weeks so they can't hide their real characters – they can't turn it on for two hours of recording and then not go back to their real persona.
"They're just spiky and volatile people and, as you can imagine, that's a nightmare to work with."
Dick and Angel, however, seemed unfazed by the cut when they made their first social media post, sharing a clip of their children Arthur and Dorothy hanging out outside the chateau.
They wrote alongside the video: "Last weekend we went for a Spring walk around the grounds…it's nature at its best, and there was something for everyone to be excited about! Simple and beautiful."
The Mirror has contacted Dick and Angel's reps for comment.
Official investigation
After it was announced that Dick and Angel would no longer be working with Channel 4, reports started circulating that the pair were subject to an investigation into their behaviour.
The British broadcaster walked away from the popular couple despite their main series being extremely popular with Channel 4 audiences.
A representative for Channel 4 told the Mirror: "Following a review we have taken the decision to not work with Dick and Angel on any new productions in the future."
Two Rivers Media confirmed to Mirror that they also have cut ties and will no longer be working with the couple
"We can confirm that we will no longer work with Dick and Angel and cannot comment further at the moment," a representative for the production company told the Mirror.
The nature of the allegations and the subsequent investigation has not been confirmed but reports suggest the Strawbridges clashed with producers.
"There has been a deteriorating relationship between Two Rivers and Dick and Angel's Chateau TV for various reasons and it all came to a head," a source familiar with the situation told Deadline.
After Two Rivers Media decided against working with the couple, Channel 4 is said to have launched an investigation into the situation, which was carried out by an independent HR professional.
The probe involved producers and crew who have worked with the couple being interviewed.
The findings of this investigation have not been released but Channel 4 subsequently ended their relationship with the couple.
A representative for Dick and Angel Strawbridge has been contacted by the Mirror for comment.
The ninth and final season of Escape to the Chateau aired last December and was one of Channel 4's most popular shows, attracting more than 2.5million viewers.
Despite the series coming to an end, a host of spin-off shows were in production including Escape to the Chateau: Secret France.
Filming on this new series has wrapped and it's currently in post-production but it's not yet clear whether the British broadcaster will air the series.
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