Escape to the Chateau stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge have hit back over claims they "bullied" crew members on their Channel 4 show.
The programme follows the couple as they renovated their 45-room chateau in the Pays de la Loire region which had fallen into disrepair and sold for just £280,000.
Now, the stunning Chateau-de-la-Motte Husson is valued at £2million is used for a glamorous wedding location — charging an average of £34,000 for the day.
After members of the crew accused them of abusive treatment, a representative for the couple said the producers "tried to make it a trashy reality programme" and defended Dick, 61, and Angel, 43.
Escape to the Chateau staff, who worked on filming the first four series, alleged the couple were "aggressive and abusive", according to The Times.
Angel allegedly called a producer a “f***ing c***” after he complained about his treatment, in a recording heard by the newspaper.
Further claims suggested Strawbridge allegedly told a producer “f*** you” in rage after filming.
A former crew member claimed to the newspaper: “I haven’t experienced anything as pernicious and spiteful as Dick and Angel and working with them took a very heavy toll on staff.
“It was almost like being in an abusive relationship, waiting for what small thing one of them would blow up at and turn into a massive deal.”
Angel and Dick have since parted company with Spark Media who made the first four series of the reality show.
Staff from recent episodes told The Times they have not experienced such conduct which has been alleged by previous employees.
A Channel 4 spokesperson said it was not aware of any of the alleged behaviour from the couple.
The broadcaster's spokesperson said they were aware about a collapse in relationship between Spark and the Strawbridges.
A representative for the couple told MailOnline : "During the making of the early series of Escape to the Chateau Dick and Angel had problems working with the then producers, who tried to make it a trashy reality programme.
"Escape to the Chateau is set in their home and they wanted an honest portrayal of their family journey rather than to enact the vision of a TV producer."
Producer Sean Lewis said: "I have worked with [Dick and Angel] for three years.
"I found that giving them respect and understanding has always been returned and have never felt they were aggressive or unpleasant."
Series director Tom Thompson said the claims are "all nonsense".
He said: "The Chateau is not just a TV show it is their home and business. I found them professional, hard-working and generous."
The Mirror has contacted representatives for Channel 4 and Dick and Angel Strawbridge for further comment.
