Where did it all go wrong for Dick and Angel?

In the midst of their groundbreaking scandal, Dick and Angel Strawbridge have applied to shut their castle company Chateau-de-la-Motte Husson Limited.

But what went SO wrong for the once-beloved couple, who have graced Channel 4 screens in Escape To The Chateau since 2016?

Last month, Channel 4 confirmed that they are no longer working with Dick and Angel following an independent investigation into their conduct.

Sources claimed Two Rivers Media, the company that produces Escape To The Chateau, raised concerns about Dick, 63, and Angel, 45. and they will not be working on any new productions ‘following a review’.

Since the split, it can be revealed that their company, which was set up in 2017, has been put forward for a ‘voluntary strike off’ from the register at Companies House.

The application was signed on May 9 by both directors, Dick, 63, and Angel, 45, real name Angela. First notice of the strike off was given in the Gazette on May 23, and the company will be dissolved within two months of that date. 

The latest news comes two years after the popular couple first brushed off bullying claims, which they vehemently denied at the time.

So what happened to the Strarbridges and how did it go wrong? 

What’s become of the company?

The application was signed on May 9 by both directors. First notice of the strike off was given in the Gazette on May 23, and the company will be dissolved within two months of that date.

Its last accounts, filed in June 2022 for the period up to September 2021, show net liabilities of £19,230.

Meanwhile change is also afoot at Chateau Television Limited. Dick and Angel have stopped running the company, which was incorporated in 2020, and appointed Da2AD limited, which is run by an accountant.

That entity is now a shareholder, according to documents at Companies House which show that Dick and Angel no longer have ‘control’ at the company. 

What caused Channel 4 to cut ties with the popular duo? 

The exact nature of the allegations is not known, but Deadline reported that three of their former colleagues alleged the couple have clashed with producers.

A source told the site : ‘There has been a deteriorating relationship between Two Rivers and Dick and Angel’s Chateau TV for various reasons and it all came to a head.’

Were there been any other signs of conflict? 

In 2021, it was reported that sources close to Spark Media had accused Dick and Angel of bullying.

Dick was accused of pushing one crew member around a room, and threatening to throw another ‘out the f*****g window’ while brandishing a hammer. Both were also said to have sworn at TV staff.

Meanwhile, the show apparently haemorrhaged producer directors (PDs) during the first four series, as it was claimed three out of six left prematurely following rows.

Dick and Angel categorically denied the accusations at the time. 

In testimony via their representative at the time, the couple emphasised the warm atmosphere among the team, but also their long-held, high professional standards, which they say has helped bring their chateau fantasy to successful fruition.

Their representative said production members associated with the couple over many years found ‘working with our clients at the chateau is a lovely experience’. 

They also made accusations of their own of outrageous behaviour among the Spark’s production team. 

At the time, Channel 4 denied all knowledge of the row: ‘Channel 4 does not tolerate bullying or abusive behaviour in any of its productions.’

Hit show: Their show Escape to the Chateau became one of the channel’s biggest hits when it started airing in 2016 

Dick told Daily Mail at the time: ‘It’s not even worth investigating. We don’t talk about it because it’s not worth worrying about.’ 

He points out that they have a very low turnover of crew, most of whom have stayed for years and were so annoyed about the gossip that ‘they were all saying they wanted to sell their happy story, as it were, to put the truth across’. 

‘I would say that we are loving and open – what you see is what you get. If you come into our home – and it’s our home, not a TV set – and maybe treat us in a certain way, then we may reciprocate,’ added Angel, firmly (if not a little cryptically).

‘We have so many people coming through, and we always like having selfies and everything like that. There is a line, though, and if you cross it… end of.’ 

Will they return to screens in the face of things? 

The ninth and final series aired in late 2022, but spin-off travel show Escape To The Chateau: Secret France was already in the works.

The programme has reportedly wrapped and is currently being edited, but Channel 4 has not yet confirmed whether it will be broadcast.

Sharing a sneak-peek of filming for the spin-off in January, former engineer Dick and designer Angel previously wrote on Instagram: ‘We are busy filming our new series for Channel 4.

‘Escape to the Chateau: Secret France will be on your screens later this year – we can’t wait to share our discoveries with you!’ 

In 2021, the couple said: Did they not consider, I wonder, with all the hard work that goes into their business, just disappearing from public view and never doing another series of the show? ‘We consider it every year,’ Dick said. ‘It’s always a choice.’

The ninth and final series aired in late 2022, but spin-off travel show Escape To The Chateau: Secret France was already in the works

What’s the show all about?  

Escape To The Chateau became one of the channel’s biggest hits when it started airing in 2016, with many tuning in to see Dick’s handiwork and Angel’s creativity when transforming their home.

The couple bought the run-down 45-room chateau for just £280,000 in 2015, with Channel 4 launching a popular series following the transformation in 2016. 

The villa is called Chateau-de-la-Motte Husson and it is in the picturesque Loire region of North West France around 200 miles from Paris.

Dick and Angel previously worked with Spark Media Partners, which launched Escape To The Chateau back in 2016 and produced its first four series. 

The series was full of arguments and tiffs over stressful renovations, precious moments with their children Arthur, nine, and Dorothy, eight and creating happy memories with newlyweds.

The chateau has since been valued at £2million but the couple have also cashed in through TV rights from Channel 4 for the series. 

How long have the couple been together?

Dick and Angel had two children – Arthur (eight) and Dorothy (seven) – before marrying in 2015. 

Almost immediately the pair decided to uproot their young family for a new adventure in Northwest France.

Dick has a daughter called Charlotte, 35, from his first marriage, to environmental activist Brigit Weiner – the pair wed in 1982 and divorced in 2010 after 28 years. 

They also have a son – James, 37 – a chef who has appeared on Escape to the Chateau. 

Dick a former lieutenant colonel and engineer, met second wife Angel, 43, in 2010 at a mutual friend’s 40th birthday party. 

Partners: Dick a former lieutenant colonel and engineer, met second wife Angel, 43, in 2010 at a mutual friend’s 40th birthday party 

What do Dick and Angel argue about? 

In 2021, the couple spoke to Daily Mail about life during the pandemic and homeschooling and Angel said: ‘ I’m too much of a rebel.’

Angel joked that she joined her children in Dick’s homeschooling class and said: ‘Let’s hope we never have to do that again, as I thought Daddy’s School was too strict.’ 

Dick  gleaned his strict side from a childhood in Northern Ireland and a career in the military. 

And talking about their career side projects, such a book they created called Living The Chateau Dream, they were asked if they had spectacular rows. 

‘No! This is the nice thing,’ Angel said. 

‘We definitely have disagreements…’ Dick interjected, ‘…and then Angel goes and gets an email that proves she was right!’ ‘I do,’ laughs Angel, ‘There’s no limit to what I’ll do to prove I’m right about something.’