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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Channel 4 get a house for free- wrong?

15 replies

Albatross26 · 08/08/2017 19:24

I know it hasn't been on yet but just saw the trailer for this programme and it seems massively distasteful - some millionaire with a load of properties is giving a flat away to a poor family, but he has to judge who is most 'worthy' of it. The trailer showed tearful families and him umming and ahing about who to let live in his flat. It seemed to be billed as a kind of social commentary documentary but to me it seems a bit sick! Great for the family who 'win' the flat, fucking useless for everyone else! AIBU to find this so odd?

OP posts:

JeNeBaguetteRien · 08/08/2017 19:29

YANBU, although the winning family will be very glad to get a flat it seems like it is using these poor families. They'll be pouring their hearts out to the cameras for "entertainment". It doesn't feel right at all.

orlantina · 08/08/2017 19:29

We were watching a programme from the 50s? about someone who could win a dream prize. They just had to justify the reasons for it and the prize they wanted. People pouring out their heart on TV about their lives.

This seems the same.

x2boys · 08/08/2017 19:38

People watch it though like those that were given their yearly benefits in a lump some to supposedly better their lives.

NiceCuppaTeaAndASitDown · 08/08/2017 21:43

I've turned this on and I'm finding it deeply unsettling.

53rdWay · 08/08/2017 21:45

Ugh, no. Sounds like a housing crisis version of The Running Man.

londonrach · 08/08/2017 21:50

Agree and that was just the trailer. Weve been stuck in the rent trap and seeing houses we were trying to buy been bought and put up for rent. Its a horrible nasty world. This program is praying on those struggling. Awful

ShellyBoobs · 08/08/2017 22:02

Yes orlatina I think you might mean 'Queen for a Day'.

Skip to 36 minutes on the film.

Original poster

Albatross26 · 08/08/2017 22:03

Yes I thought of the running man! With today's housing issues it seems so crass. Rental prices where I am in the south are obscene and the amount of homelessness is growing. Some millionaire dangling his properties in front of people is gross. Didn't watch it, watched midsomer murders

OP posts:

TathitiPete · 09/08/2017 00:04

I've already made a bet with DH that the house will go to a family, ie, there will be people under the age of 18 living there.

They'll interview and entertain a very varied cross section of people but my moneys on the flat eventually going to a young family.

MeanAger · 09/08/2017 00:09

I watched this.

TBH I'm not really sure of the point of the programme. It wasn't an experiment, it wasn't a documentary, i can only assume the guy wanted a pat on the back for being so generous or maybe publicity for his business.

For anyone interested the flat went to 18yo single mum Holly.

Celestia26 · 09/08/2017 03:08

Orlantina, that programme was called 'Queen For A Day' and it was on in the 50s. It was the most horrific show and I don't know how it was ever aired. Women who had no money and lots of problems had to basically beg for what they wanted and the audience would decide who was the most 'worthy' (tragic).
One woman had lost her husband in the war, and went on to ask for material to make her children some clothes. Another went on to ask for wood so she could make beds for her children, as they were so poor they had to sleep on the floor. Truly horrible 😔

Petalflowers · 09/08/2017 03:38

Haven't seen the house programme, but the concept reminds me of The Secret Millionaire, although in that programme the millionaire gave his money ton those who he thought were deserving. They didn't compete for it. It was quite heartwarming at times.

FrustratedTeddyLamp · 09/08/2017 03:41

Tbf isn't this just another version of tragedy porn that's popular, doesn't holly willoughby have a show that shows emotional stories and they help them? Not the same as more get helped but not everyone who applies will

1forAll74 · 09/08/2017 04:25

All these types of programmes will always make good viewing, as people at home will sit and watch all the heart wrenching, and then heart warming after stories, I watch them I must admit,

I Watched that programme ages ago, where some well off so called celebrities went onto the streets. to see how homeless people had to live, It was quite unreal wasn't it,, like. I feel your pain,,its a horrible situation how you live.; no food, no bed, no anything. Then all back to the norm, so called celebs back to their nice homes and stuff, and everyone else back to the streets, I was always wondering, if the homeless people had got a little bit of cash from the tv programme, for being on it,, as the celebs probably got some dosh for making the programme

BoffinMum · 09/08/2017 04:52

I hate the worthy poor thing. He would do more societal good building a hall of residence or hostel for young teachers or nurses working in expensive cities.

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