Escape To The Chateau stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge have said they have had a ‘humbling couple of days’ after their shock Channel 4 axe.
The couple were axed by the broadcaster ‘following a review’ into their conduct and claims of bullying and clashes.
But Angel, 45, and Dick, 63, are determined to focus on pastures new as they welcomed 1,000 fans into their home in France and plugged their 2024 tour on Instagram.
The Strawbridges shared an update on the latest ongoings at the chateau after their bombshell exit.
They wrote: ‘A huge hello to you on this Wonderful Wednesday! It’s been a humbling couple of days here for us and our team.
Fans: Escape To The Chateau stars Dick and Angel Strawbridge have said they have had a ‘humbling couple of days’ after their shock Channel 4 axe
‘1,000 Chateau hugs…1,000 cakes, lots of bubbly in teacups, plenty of smiles, and two wedding proposals took place at our biggest event ever.
‘From invite to execution, it took 15 months, but our postponed Meet & Greet from last year’s theatre tour finally took place
‘We can’t thank everyone enough for coming all the way to see us, it was incredible and will be talked about for many years to come!’
Fans who visited the chateau shared their experiences of meeting Dick and Angel in the comment section.
One wrote: ‘My husband and I attended yesterday. It was a fantastic day. Angel, Dick and the whole team went above and beyond to make it a wonderful experience. Thank you’.
Another added: ‘There aren’t enough words to describe how amazing it was. Kept pinching myself as it was hard to believe we were there. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love you all, a wonderfully warm and welcoming family and team. Booked to see you next year on your tour, already excited.’
It was revealed last month, the couple were axed by Channel 4 ‘following a review’ into their conduct.
Channel 4 launched an independent inquiry after production company Two Rivers Media raised concerns about the Strawbridges and announced it would no longer work with them.
A Channel 4 spokesman said: ‘Following a review, we have taken the decision not to work with Dick and Angel on any new productions in the future.’
Busy: ‘It’s been a humbling couple of days here for us and our team. 1,000 Chateau hugs…1,000 cakes, lots of bubbly in teacups, plenty of smiles, and two wedding proposals’, they said
Over: The couple were axed by Channel 4 ‘following a review’ into their conduct and claims of bullying and clashes
Wonderful: Fans who visited the chateau shared their experiences of meeting Dick and Angel in the comment section
The series turned the couple into household names as 2.5million viewers regularly turned in to see the renovation of their 19th-century Château de la Motte-Husson in Martigné-sur-Mayenne, France.
It was previously made by production firm Spark Media Partners, who oversaw the first four seasons from 2016 to 2018. But it also allegedly cut ties with the Strawbridges due to a feud.
A representative for Channel 4 said: ‘Channel 4 is taking an active role in challenging unacceptable behaviour in our industry.
‘Following a review of our processes in 2021 we have made it easier to raise complaints both formally and informally.
‘We require all our production partners to follow our Supplier Code of Conduct and when concerns are raised with us, they will be taken seriously and action will happen to ensure they are investigated and addressed appropriately.
‘There is always more to do and alongside our suppliers we are committed to building safe, inclusive and professional working environments.’
Speaking out: Mere hours after the recording came to light, Angel and Dick took to Instagram to thank fans for supporting the show, insisting the move to end it was a ‘family decision’
Speaking out: They added their future ‘truly could not look more exciting’ despite severing ties with Channel 4
Recent weeks have seen Angel and Dick branded ‘spiky’, ‘volatile’ and ‘a nightmare to work with’ amid their feud with Channel 4, after the network confirmed they’d cut ties with the couple.
Sources close to the couple told MailOnline their behaviour on set was nothing like their ‘gorgeous’ on-screen personas.
Insiders added they couldn’t hide their ‘real characters’ to crew members who spent weeks with them filming the popular show in north-west France .
It’s also been mooted Channel 4’s culling of the hit show was ‘convenient’ given the series – which has been on screen for seven years and sparked numerous spin-offs – had run its course.
A source said: ‘Dick and Angel come across on screen as the most gorgeous and lovely couple, literally like butter wouldn’t melt, but they’re not like that off screen.
‘It’s a full-on show, production is with them at the chateau for weeks so they can’t hide their real characters – they can’t turn it on for two hours of recording and then not go back to their real persona.
‘They’re just spiky and volatile people and, as you can imagine, that’s a nightmare to work with.’
Angel later spoke out after leaked audio emerged of her launching a foul mouthed rant at producers.
In the 2021 recording obtained by Deadline, the star can be heard telling one producer she’s ‘angry’ with them before branding them a ‘f***ed up little c***’.
Mere hours after the recording came to light, Angel and Dick took to Instagram to thank fans for supporting the show, insisting the move to end it was a ‘family decision.’
They wrote: ‘Thank you for inviting us into your living rooms. You have watched our children grow up and shared our adventures.
‘It was a Strawbridge Family decision early last year to conclude Escape to the Chateau, but we have loved every moment and, despite the many challenges, we refused to give up on our dream, and in doing so have filled the chateau with love and laughter, and, most importantly, have created the most wonderful home for our family.
‘There are two sides to every story and from the incredible support we have received, most of you know that.
‘We are proud of who we are, and we feel we must do what we believe to be correct, that is in fact what kept Escape to the Chateau unique, and whilst we have indeed parted ways with Channel 4, we are hugely grateful to them and their teams for their support and creativity over the years.
‘The future truly could not look more exciting and we thank you for your continued love and support.’
A representative for Angel and Dick Strawbridge declined to comment further to MailOnline.
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