Nicki Chapman
Presenter Nicki Chapman chats to Yours about the new series of Wanted Down Under, the joy of making a difference and her battle back to health from a brain tumour
Will they or won’t they? It’s the crunch question that comes at the end of every episode of Wanted Down Under where British families decide if they should up sticks and move to Australia.
The new series currently airing on BBC1 is following a new set of families looking at starting life afresh – plus updates on those who made the move from previous series.
As ever it’s presenter Nicki Chapman who narrates us through each family’s journey – and it’s a job she loves doing. “We never know what will happen at the end. Family members often change their mind at the very last minute without telling their partners after seeing films of their loved ones and friends saying they will miss them. Interestingly it’s often the ones who initially wanted to go who have the wobble – and vice versa. You can’t second guess it and that’s one of the things I love about the programme. It’s one of few shows on television that absolutely can change people’s lives.”
But Nicki is also quick to point out it’s not a holiday for the families who take part. “After a 24-hour flight in economy class they are met by a camera crew at the airport and then there’s a week of filming. It’s a sharp reality check.”
Filming started for the new series last spring and mainly took place in
‘I have a strong work ethic – work hard, research, be on time and be as professional as you can be – but also have a laugh’
Perth, Adelaide, the Gold Coast and New Zealand.
“The production teams are brilliant and research where to go and look for jobs, schools, homes etc. I go out for a fraction of the time to film links and do narration. We also revisit people who originally decided to go. Occasionally we find some have moved again to a totally different country – one family are now living in France. We also revisit people who decided to stay in the UK but have had a complete lifestyle change.”
So what does she think is the secret to the show’s success? “I think it’s a programme that we can all relate to because it is all about families – they are the real stars of the show. I’m just the glue that holds it together.”
On average 50 per cent of people taking part decide to emigrate, but overall half decide eventually to return to the UK. “Missing family and friends, ill health – there’s no NHS – and high property prices all play a part in that,” Nicki explains.
So has she ever thought of moving Down Under? “Yes when I first went out when I was 19 and fell in love with Sydney! When I came back to the UK I was dead set on going. I enrolled at evening school to learn secretarial skills so I could get enough points to qualify to emigrate. I spent eight months working towards it and was waiting for all the papers to come through when my life suddenly changed.
I got a job in the music industry. I thought the job was too good an opportunity to miss so I never went.”
It was a decision that changed her life and opened up a whole new career path for Nicki, who went on to become a talent judge on ITV’s Popstars and Pop Idol and to present shows such as Escape to the Country as well as on Radio 2.
“I left school at 16 and who could have thought I’d have the career I have? Extraordinary people put their faith in
‘It was a massive thing to happen, to be diagnosed with a life-changing illness, but I feel so lucky’
me. I have a strong work ethic – work hard, research, be on time and be as professional as you can be – but also have a laugh. In all the teams I work with I never take anything for granted.”
And that goes for her health too. Last year Nicki (53), who lives in London with her music executive husband Dave, had her world turned upside down when she was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour. Surgeons operated to remove it and thankfully late last year she was given a clean bill of health.
“It was a massive thing to happen, to be diagnosed with a life-changing illness, but I feel so lucky. Every day I get emails from people who haven’t been so fortunate. They are devastating to read and my heart goes out to them. I know I have been very fortunate but in any small way I want to help others too.”
She’s so thankful to family, friends and work colleagues who helped her through – and dedicated NHS staff.
“They have all been extraordinary. We show our best sides when the chips are down – everyone around me certainly did.”
So did it change Nicki’s perspective on life? “I don’t take my health for granted at all now. I will do everything the consultant says. A friend of mine who has been very ill for a while used the term ‘dark gift’ to describe dealing with illness and I seized on that too. It has given me more patience, I hope, and hopefully a kinder understanding for other people.”
With her enthusiasm and drive Nicki has a busy year ahead. “I’m feeling really positive and after eight months I can drive, which is tremendous. I’m working with the brain tumour charity as an ambassador and am also in touch with the Imperial Trust – my local hospital – to offer support for events they have as a thank you to the people who looked after me.” And she also volunteers in a local charity shop. “I love doing it. I did a BBC series asking people why they volunteered and got into it. When you volunteer, you’re helping someone else but also you get something yourself. People don’t expect to see me behind the till of a charity shop on a Saturday morning. I love it. They do a double take. Even better when they buy my clothes!”
And she’ll be back on the presenting team at Chelsea Flower Show in May. “That’s a highlight of my calendar. I couldn’t do it last year because I was ill.”
Having Nicki back is a highlight for us too.
■ Wanted Down Under Series 14 is on BBC1 weekdays at 11am