A former researcher has blasted Kirstie Allsopp over alleged “diva demands” on her property show and claims it cons viewers.
The ex-employee on Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location claims Kirstie and co-star Phil Spencer, 52, have no part in the search for suitable homes, saying: “It’s all Lies, Lies, Lies.”
The researcher, who asked to remain anonymous, was incensed by Kirstie’s claim young people could buy their own home if they gave up their “coffee, gym, Netflix lifestyle” – for which she was widely mocked online.
Calling her comments “out of touch”, they said: “It doesn’t surprise me.
“When I worked on the show it was clear Kirstie and Phil have nothing to do with the search. Myself and others would find properties, based out of an office in Glasgow – looking up Rightmove for dream homes.
“Contributors take part in the trust of having Kirstie and Phil’s help. This is a lie… even though we film them looking in estate agents’ windows.”
Kirstie, 50, the daughter of a baron, denies misleading viewers and she started her own property firm at 25.
Admitting she bought her first property at 21 with help from her family, she reportedly told the Sunday Times: “The easyJet, coffee, gym, Netflix lifestyle didn’t exist. I used to walk to work with a sandwich. And on payday I’d go for a pizza, and to a movie, and buy a lipstick.”
The researcher told us: “I was given strict orders Kirstie must have specific snacks – Green & Black’s chocolate, San Pellegrino water, nuts and fruit.
“I felt guilty seeing the contributors’ faces all lit up. They are waiting, excited to meet Kirstie.
“Even at this stage Kirstie and Phil have no idea what they are looking for or what we found.”
Channel 4 said: “Each search is supported by a team, all of whom are named in the… credits. They, and Kirstie & Phil find suitable properties. Ultimately Kirstie and Phil have the final say on the properties featured.”
They said Kirstie requested specific chocolate while filming throughout pregnancies in 2006 and 2008 and “suffering severe morning sickness”.
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