Escape to the Chateau stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge delighted fans when they announced in October last year that their hit reality programme would be returning with a tenth season.
The popular series, which first premiered on Channel 4 in 2016, documented the family's restoration of their derelict 19th-century chateau, which stood empty for 40 years. The show concluded with its ninth instalment in 2022, before returning to screens in May 2026.
© Alamy Stock PhotoWhile the series is expected to arrive in the UK later this year, fans in South Africa now have access to the new episodes.
Sharing the exciting news on Instagram, Dick and Angel wrote in a joint post: "To all our South African friends, we have some exciting news! The new series of Escape to the Chateau is airing now in South Africa on @thehomechannel!
"Come join us back at the Chateau for more adventures, projects and family adventures," they continued.
Sharing an update to fans in other countries, they added: "To our friends around the world - the series finishes with our Christmas Special, so you won't be too far behind! We promise to keep you updated!"
© InstagramFans shared their excitement in the comments section, with one person writing: "So excited, we missed you guys on our screens."
Viewers elsewhere were quick to share their anticipation, with one American fan noting they were "patiently waiting," while a UK follower added: "Thought you were going to announce the UK. Oh well, best things are worth waiting for."
The end of Escape to the Chateau
The show was originally due to end with its ninth season in 2022.
Opening up about their decision to end the series during an exclusive interview with HELLO! in December 2023, Dick and Angel revealed that the move was motivated by their children.
© Instagram"It was two years ago that we decided to end the Escape to the Chateau series," Dick explained. We made the decision because the kids are growing older, and all the parallel activity was not sustainable at this level. We are doers and we are never going to stop completely, but we're also protecting them."
"Arthur is starting senior school and the pressure on our little ones is phenomenal. When he goes there, people may have heard that his parents have done stuff on television."
The return of Escape to the Chateau
The family eventually decided to allow cameras back into their home with a tenth season, which follows the family as they embrace a new chapter in their lives.
© Dick and Angel StrawbridgeExplaining their decision to revive the series, Dick told Country & Town House: "Every year, we decide what to do next, and for the last five or six years we've included the children in that conversation. Series 10 existed because there was such big change within the family – Arthur is a young man now, Dorothy's a young woman."
Teasing an 11th season, he continued: "But those changes haven't quite finished, so we made the decision that Series 11 would follow from 10, because there are more things we've started in 10 that still need to be completed. Next year we'll make the decision about what follows."
