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Jean Johansson shares a personal off-screen connection with house hunters in A Place in the Sun
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Jean Johansson shares a personal off-screen connection with house hunters in A Place in the Sun

A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson has opened up about the ‘pressure’ she felt while looking for a house hunter.

A Place in the Sun hosted by Jean Johansson
A Place in the Sun hosted by Jean Johansson (Image: Channel 4)

A Place in the Sun returns to Channel 4 with new episodes featuring Glasgow’s Jean Johansson, who has revealed some heartwarming stories and off-the-record chats with those taking part.

Jean traveled to South West France and Spain spending quality time with NHS professionals Rooman and Richard, a former police officer and his significant other.


During a new episode of the show, Jean escorted Rooman and Richard around Fuengirola, Spain with the aim of finding their perfect getaway residence. Beyond that, she shared a meaningful connection with them away from the cameras.

Delving into her relationship with the house-hunting duo, she said: “With Richard and Roo still in touch, it’s kind of a show where the stakes are a bit higher.”

Jean Johansson attends the Women in Film and TV Awards
Jean Johansson attends the Women in Film and TV Awards(Image: PA)


In the wake of the pandemic, she reflected on the challenges facing health workers: “I had just come out of Covid, life was just getting back to normal and I can only imagine what this doctor and nurse were seeing. They needed a place to escape to, a place to relax, I really wanted to help them with that.”

Jean revealed that she frequently socializes with the pair when not filming, enjoying meals and drinks together.

The presenter shared how recent experiences have strengthened her commitment to the individuals behind the NHS: “We all have respect and love for the NHS, but coming out of the pandemic I really wanted to do them well,” she expressed .


Reflecting on the show’s longevity and connection with audiences, she noted: “I think that’s what keeps A Place In The Sun going all these years, the house hunters are so different and just to get personal stories that are a little more layered was wonderful.”

Adding a personal touch, she noted: “Roo and Richard were quite a similar age to me so we’d have a glass of wine after the wrap, we have a lot in common.”

“We clicked on and off camera so it was nice to keep in touch with them because they do a great job.”


“They’re busy guys, but we always make time for a text or a phone call.”

A Place in the Sun's Jean Johansson felt emotional this season
A Place in the Sun’s Jean Johansson felt emotional this season(Image: Channel 4)

Another house hunter Jean had the privilege of helping was a former police officer struggling with PTSD.


She shared, “He was a police officer who retired early because his job was hard and he also had a bit of PTSD.”

“It was really personal, he was someone who had to get away from the UK and all the triggers of his previous job, so it’s a lot of pressure on the other one.”

“It was, ‘I need to change my life, I need to get rid of all the stress and things that trigger my PTSD. I want a quiet life in France.”


Delving into the weight of responsibility she felt, Jean continued, “It had to be quiet, peaceful, everything their previous life wasn’t.”

“It was a quest where the stakes were much higher for me. Without giving anything away, there’s a beautiful ending where all three of us cried.”

A Place in the Sun is broadcast on Channel 4 at 15.00