Loose Women star makes dramatic U-turn in Escape to the Country first

Celebrity Escape to the Country returned to BBC One this evening, with presenter Alistair Appleton taking on one of his most challenging assignments yet.

The BBC host was tasked with helping Loose Women icon Janet Street-Porter find her dream home near the sea. The property search started out in Suffolk, with Janet requesting privacy from any neighbours as well as a sea view.

First, Alistair showed Janet two attractive properties in Suffolk, but neither of them managed to impress the ITV star.

"The bottom line is neither house offers me solitude," she said, admitting: "I think you failed."

All hope was not lost, however, as Janet also mentioned that she would not rule out looking at properties in Scotland, provided they fit the brief.

Therefore, in a bid to deliver on Janet's very specific vision, Alistair decided it was time for a dramatic U-turn, in what he described as a "first" for Escape to the Country.

"We're taking a 500-mile leap of faith to the Hebridean Islands scattered off Scotland's west coast," he announced.

"Welcome to Islay, isn't it beautiful," he added, before explaining the small island offered houses right on the coastline, in a location so remote that approximately just 3000 residents call it home.

Once the show travelled to Scotland, Alistair noticed an immediate shift in Janet, pointing out that there was now some "good engagement" with the properties.

He then wondered aloud: "Is it the house? Is it the location? Or a combination of both?"

While Janet took a shine to the first property on Islay, it was the second "mystery" property that really caught her attention.

The eccentric home, located four miles from the town of Port Ellen, featured an unusual turfed roof that helped it to blend right into the landscape.

"Oh wow," Janet said. "I could see myself in this house by myself, perfectly happy."

Alistair then surprised Janet and her friend, who was helping her with the property search, by telling them he had organised for them to stay the night in order to test it out.

"Gosh, I'm really excited!" Janet exclaimed, before it was revealed later in the programme that she had extended her stay for another week.

Alistair concluded the eventful episode by saying: "Janet is famously outspoken and she's also very knowledgeable about property, but I think it all paid off.

"The journey from Suffolk to Scotland was a big hit and it's very lovely to see how much she treasures the silence and stillness here in Isla."

Escape to the Country fans took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to share their reactions to the episode.

One quipped: "Janet's getting her holiday to Scotland courtesy of Escape. When has anyone on this program gone to two parts of the country so wide apart."

Another admitted: "Janet Street Porter and I have similar requirements for the perfect house - no neighbours, views of the sea, peaceful and quiet with plenty of walks around. The big difference is that she has far more money than me!"

While one more person hinted at the twist, saying: "It's good. She's being Janet Street-Porter. I won't spoil the surprise."

Celebrity Escape to the Country returns this Sunday at 6.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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