A Welsh couple appeared on A Place in the Sun and broke down in tears after buying a Costa del Sol holiday home to honour their late family member.
Former bodybuilding champion Darren and his wife Joanne were on the hunt for a holiday home (Image: Channel 4)
A Place in the Sun presenter was moved to tears while discussing a heartbreaking family loss.
During a repeat episode broadcast on Wednesday, June 10, a Welsh couple were searching for a holiday home on the Costa del Sol, enlisting the assistance of host Jean Johansson.
Former body builder Darren and his wife Joanne, had a particularly poignant motivation behind their decision to purchase a property in Spain, wanting somewhere perfect for their three children and wider family.
They also decided to find somewhere following the sad death of Joanne’s brother Matt, with one of their final conversations being him encouraging them to “live the dream”.
Joanne emotionally told Jean: “My brother sadly passed away ten years ago and one of our last conversations was that I had to make sure that we have as much fun as possible and live the dream with our children,” reports Wales Online.
“Because he loved the beach and being abroad so much we thought this would be the perfect way to honour his memory.”
After viewing several properties, with a budget of £205,000, the couple submitted an offer of £170,000 on one apartment they were keen to add to.
At that moment, Joanne shared: “I do feel emotional, I just know this is what my brother would want and I am sure he is just looking down now with a big smile on his face.”
While their initial offer was turned down, their second bid of £178,000 was accepted, leaving Joanne overcome with emotion.
Breaking down, she shared: “This is for you, Matt!”
Expressing her gratitude to Jean, she continued: “We can now live the dream in my brother’s memory.
“The family can come here and think about him, my mum and dad just feel so close to Matt when we are at the beach and they can come here anytime they want now!”
Visibly moved, Jean responded: “I am so happy, I’ve never been happier for a couple.”
Raising a toast, Joanne said: “To Matthew and the family, and to living the dream!”
Jean added to the camera: “That was an emotional end to an exciting search, Darren and Joanne have the dream property for them and the whole family, and I know they are going to have loads of amazing holidays here in Malaga.”
Speaking after the episode originally aired in May 2024, Joanne told A Place In The Sun that they were “definitely living the dream”.
She said they get very emotional when they walk through the door, as the home is so linked to her brother, who loved the beach, but tragically died of cancer at the age of 27.
“We’ve taken out all the children and showed them the places we visited on the TV show, such as Lake Vinuela,” Joanne said.
“It already feels like home and I’d say we are definitely living the dream.”
A Place in The Sun is available to watch on Channel 4.