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An A Place in the Sun star was left in tears as she opened up about a devastating family tragedy. During a repeat episode airing on Wednesday, June 10, a Welsh couple were looking for a holiday home in Costa del Sol, seeking out host Jean Johansson’s help. Former Mr Wales, Darren, and his wife Joanne, had a special reason for their decision to buy a property in Spain, seeking somewhere ideal for their three children and extended family. They also chose to find somewhere after Joanne’s brother Matt sadly passed away, and one of their last conversations was him urging them to “live the dream”. Joanne emotionally told Jean: “My brother sadly passed away ten years ago and one of our last conversations was that I had to make sure that we have as much fun as possible and live the dream with our children. “Because he loved the beach and being abroad so much we thought this would be the perfect way to honour his memory." After looking through various properties, with a budget of £205,000, the couple put in an offer of £170,000 to one apartment they wanted to add to. At that point, Joanne shared: “I do feel emotional, I just know this is what my brother would want and I am sure he is just looking down now with a big smile on his face." Although their first offer was rejected, their second, of £178,000 was accepted, leaving Joanne in tears. Breaking down, she shared: "This is for you, Matt!” Thanking Jean for her help, she went on: “We can now live the dream in my brother's memory. “The family can come here and think about him, my mum and dad just feel so close to Matt when we are at the beach and they can come here anytime they want now!" Emotional herself, Jean said: “I am so happy, I’ve never been happier for a couple.” Raising a toast, Joanne said: “To Matthew and the family, and to living the dream!” Jean added to the camera: “That was an emotional end to an exciting search, Darren and Joanne have the dream property for them and the whole family, and I know they are going to have loads of amazing holidays here in Malaga.” Speaking after the episode originally aired in May 2024, Joanne told A Place In The Sun that they were “definitely living the dream”. She said they get very emotional when they walk through the door, as the home is so linked to her brother, who loved the beach, but tragically died of cancer at the age of 27. “We’ve taken out all the children and showed them the places we visited on the TV show, such as Lake Vinuela,” Joanne said. “It already feels like home and I’d say we are definitely living the dream.” A Place in the Sun is available to watch on Channel 4
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