When Dick and Angel Strawbridge first swung open the iron gates of Château de la Motte Husson, they invited millions of viewers into a DIY fairy tale. But the story took a complicated turn — a French investigation, a public split with Channel 4, and a quiet move to a smaller home have rewritten the narrative.
TV series: Escape to the Chateau (2016–2022) –
Children: Arthur (born 2013) and Dorothy (born 2014) –
Château location: Château de la Motte Husson, Pays de la Loire, France –
Investigation: Under review by French authorities
Quick snapshot
- Channel 4 ended its working relationship with the couple in May 2023 after nine series (The Independent (UK news outlet)).
- The family moved to a smaller property in France in 2025 (The Telegraph (UK newspaper)).
- Dick and Angel are still together as of 2025 (The Independent). (The Independent (UK news outlet))
- Exact nature of the French investigation and whether charges will be filed (The Telegraph).
- Whether the Strawbridges chose to leave the show or were dropped — both sides claim different timelines (The Independent).
- Angel’s first husband’s identity and Dorothy Strawbridge’s health status — no confirmed illness reported, and no verified source for the former.
- 2015: Château purchased (Wikipedia (biographical reference)).
- 2016–2022: Escape to the Chateau aired on Channel 4 (The Independent). (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- May 2023: Channel 4 ends relationship; leaked audio emerges (The Independent).
- 2025: Family moves to smaller home; French investigation revealed (The Telegraph). (Wikipedia (biographical reference))
- The Strawbridges continue to produce content on their own platform, The Chateau TV (The Independent).
- Outcome of French investigation could influence future public appearances (The Telegraph).
Six key numbers tell the story of a decade in the spotlight and the transition to a quieter life.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Richard Francis Strawbridge (Dick), Angel Strawbridge |
| TV show | Escape to the Chateau (2016–2022) |
| Château name | Château de la Motte Husson |
| Current residence | Smaller property in France (moved 2025) |
| Children | Arthur (born 2013), Dorothy (born 2014) |
| Investigation status | Under review by French authorities |
What are the Strawbridges being investigated for?
French authorities are reviewing possible financial irregularities tied to the couple’s business operations at the château. The Independent (UK news outlet) first reported the investigation, though no official charges have been filed as of early 2026. The Telegraph (UK newspaper) noted in December 2025 that the couple intends to “bring back the château brand” despite the ongoing scrutiny.
The same financial structure that allowed them to renovate a 19th-century château on camera is now under a microscope — the very transparency that made their story compelling may also be providing evidence for investigators.
The implication: the investigation adds legal uncertainty to the couple’s plans to revive the château brand.
Are the Escape to the Chateau couple still together?
Yes. Despite the legal pressures and their move to a smaller home, Dick and Angel Strawbridge remain a couple. The Independent reported that they have described themselves as a “modern family” after Dick’s split from his previous marriage. They continue to post joint social media content and appear together in public.
“We are entering a new chapter — a smaller house but the same spirit.”
— Angel Strawbridge, via social media (reported by The Telegraph)
The implication: the couple’s personal bond appears intact, even as their professional partnerships have fractured.
What happened with the Strawbridges and why did Escape to the Chateau end?
Why did Escape to the Chateau stop filming?
- The show aired its final episode in 2022 after six seasons (The Independent).
- Channel 4 stated in May 2023 that it would not work with the couple on any new productions after an independent HR investigation (IMDb/Deadline (industry trade syndication)).
- The Strawbridges have disputed this account, reportedly claiming they ended the show themselves in 2021 (The Independent).
What caused the Strawbridges’ public controversy?
A leaked audio recording emerged two weeks after Channel 4’s announcement, allegedly capturing Angel Strawbridge directing a foul-mouthed rant at a producer. The Independent reported that Angel was heard calling a producer a “f***ed up little c***”. The couple did not publicly dispute the recording, but they framed the broader narrative as a misunderstanding rooted in production pressures.
The audio leak ended any chance of a quiet Channel 4 exit. For the Strawbridges, the cost of candour was a permanent rift with the broadcaster and a reputational hit that still shadows their independent ventures.
What this means: the dispute is fundamentally a he-said/she-said about who pulled the plug, but the leaked audio gave Channel 4 the upper hand in the court of public opinion.
Where are the Strawbridges living now?
In 2025, Dick and Angel moved from the 45-room Château de la Motte Husson to a smaller property elsewhere in France. The Telegraph described the move as part of a “new chapter” and a conscious downsizing. The château itself remains under their ownership and is still available for short-term bookings through the property’s official website (chateaudelamottehusson.com).
“We are a modern family. My first marriage ended, and Angel and I built something new. The château was part of that, but a house is not a marriage.”
— Dick Strawbridge, interview with The Telegraph (December 2025)
The catch: moving out of the château reduces their biggest brand asset, but also lowers the overhead and simplifies the investigation’s focus on château-related finances.
How old are the Strawbridge children and what is their current life like?
Arthur Strawbridge was born in 2013 and Dorothy in 2014, making them 12 and 11 respectively in 2025. Wikipedia (biographical reference) lists the children as being homeschooled and regularly appearing in family content on social media. Both have been featured in the family’s own platform, The Chateau TV, giving fans a curated glimpse of their life after the show.
The pattern: the children remain central to the Strawbridge brand, but the family’s reduced public profile means less exposure — a deliberate choice as legal matters unfold.
Timeline: From TV fame to legal scrutiny
- 1959: Dick Strawbridge born in Northern Ireland.
- 1979: Angel Strawbridge born in England.
- 2011: Dick and Angel meet and begin relationship.
- 2013–2014: Children Arthur and Dorothy born.
- 2015: Family purchases Château de la Motte Husson (Wikipedia).
- 2016: Escape to the Chateau premieres on Channel 4.
- 2022: Final season airs.
- May 2023: Channel 4 ends relationship; leaked audio emerges.
- 2025: Family moves to smaller home; French investigation becomes public.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Dick and Angel Strawbridge are still together.
- Escape to the Chateau ended in 2022.
- The family moved to a smaller property in France in 2025.
- French authorities are investigating the Strawbridges.
What’s unclear
- Exact nature of the investigation and whether charges will be filed.
- Whether the family had a falling out with Channel 4 or mutually parted ways.
- Angel Strawbridge’s first husband’s identity.
- Dorothy Strawbridge’s health status — no confirmed illness.
“We are determined to tell our side of the story. The fairy tale may have ended, but the real story is just beginning.”
— Dick Strawbridge, The Telegraph (December 2025)
For the Strawbridges, the next few years will determine whether they can rebuild their brand or face legal repercussions. For their audience, the fairy tale may have concluded, but the real story — messy, human, and still unfolding — continues in a smaller French home, behind a gate that no longer swings open for the cameras.
Fans wondering what happened after the show ended can find detailed updates on their situation in a comprehensive article covering the French investigation and their next chapter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Strawbridge investigation about?
French authorities are looking into possible financial irregularities tied to the couple’s château business. No charges have been filed.
Are Dick and Angel still married?
Yes, they remain together and continue to present themselves as a couple publicly.
Where did the Strawbridges move to?
They moved from the château to a smaller property in France in 2025.
Can I still book a stay at the Château?
Yes, the château remains under their ownership and is available for short-term bookings through its website.
How many children do Dick and Angel have?
Two: Arthur (born 2013) and Dorothy (born 2014).
Is Escape to the Chateau coming back?
No. Channel 4 ended its relationship with the couple in 2023. The Strawbridges produce content on their own platform, The Chateau TV.
What does Dick Strawbridge do now?
He continues to run The Chateau TV with Angel and manages the family’s properties in France.
How old was Dick Strawbridge when he met Angel?
Dick was born in 1959 and met Angel in 2011, making him around 51 at the time.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.