Rich House Poor House | Series 11 Preview (Channel 5)

In Rich House, Poor House, two families from opposite ends of the wealth divide swap homes, budgets and lives for seven days to find out how the other half lives.

At the end of the week will each family discover they have much in common, despite their different financial circumstances? Or will they learn that in fact money, more than class, race or gender is the thing that divides us.

Do families have less opportunities in life because of a lack of cash? And the series asks and hopefully answers that crucial question, does money buy you happiness?

In episode 1, thrill-seeking property millionaires Katy and Dan live in a million-pound country house, and swap places with tree surgeon Luke and carer Katy who face a daily financial struggle and live in a small two-bed flat. Attitudes to money, risk and ambition are challenged throughout the week.

Katy and Dan are the self-confessed Jay Z and Beyonce of the property world. ‘My financial situation is great’ says Katy, ‘and there’s £300,000 sitting in my bank account’. On the drive of their Cheltenham des res is £250,000 worth of luxury vehicles including two superbikes.

Katy and Dan put their success down to an adrenaline-fuelled risk-taking lifestyle. Ten years ago, they were both in low-paid jobs, but took a risk and changed careers and now have a £10,000,000 portfolio. Their lives revolve around business, and they spend little time talking to people in their local community.

Katy and Luke with two-year-old son Milo dream of buying their own home, but with a £6,000 debt, it’s a long way off. They can’t afford a wedding and a proposal from Luke is long overdue. ‘To be honest I’d take an onion ring’, says Katy.

Despite the money worries, Katy volunteers three times a week helping the older members of the community. Her secret dream is to work in property and Luke is worried about taking a gamble on new careers.

The swap proves a revelation on both sides as Katy and Dan learn there’s a huge community sized hole in their lives, while Katy and Luke are inspired to take bold decisions about careers and marriage!

Rich House Poor House returns Sunday 20th October at 9pm on Channel 5.