SILKSTONE couple Michelle and Steve Jackson are ‘unapologetically Barnsley’ - and they’re hoping it’ll land them their own bed and breakfast in France.
They’ve made it to the finals of Channel Four show The Great B and B Challenge which have been airing this week, with the finale due to aired at 5pm this evening.
Produced by True North productions and narrated by Mariella Frostrup, the show has seen six couples battle it out to win the prize of a lifetime - a five-bedroom B and B in the heart of rural France.
Andrew John and Brennan Street from New Life in the Sun, who have first-hand experience of setting up a B and B business abroad are part of the knowledgeable judging panel, alongside expert industry inspectors Eva Genin from AA Media and Nicola Crosse from Sawday’s.
Michelle told the Chronicle: “It all started for us a couple of years ago.
“We saw an advert form the show and we went for it, did a bit of a Zoom, but then we didn’t hear anything.
“Two years on - when we’d put loads of weight on - we saw the advert for the show and thought that we’d go on it again.
“We went through the process that you do when you’re going for reality shows and it’s not easy.
“But it’s just been absolutely amazing.”
The couple have been ‘unapologetically Barnsley’ and although she admits it’s not to everyone’s taste, Michelle says she and Steve have just been themselves throughout the show.
She added: “You either get Yorkshire people or you don’t.
“We are a very outgoing, bubbly and fun couple.
“We’re Yorkshire, we’re genuine people.
“And I think that’s what a lot of people have warmed to.
“We’re no different for the camera than off it.
“Some people think that you put it on but I just couldn’t do that.
“None of us could.”
Steve and Michelle have been married for 40 years and know one another inside out - and that’s why the country has warmed to them.
She added: “We met in Wombwell when we were younger and he asked me to save his coat.
“I think he was looking across the room and thinking ‘Oh God, she’s good looking isn’t she?’
“He had a look of Donny Osmond in those days, obviously he’s changed a little bit since then.
“We’ve been together ever since - so it’s 45, 46 years.
“And because we’ve been together so long the banter between us is really good.
“It’s definitely made good viewing because we were like a comedy act.”
Michelle said they’ve loved every minute of the show and they’re hoping they’ll be walking away with the prize tonight.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s been hard work,” she added.
“But we’ve absolutely loved it.
“We’re just proud of ourselves no matter what.
“We’re just this Barnsley couple and we’ve got through.
“We’ve been absolutely genuine to everything we’ve done and we’ve tried 110 per cent.”
n You can keep up to date with Michelle and Steve’s life on Instagram and TikTok @michelleandsteve.
