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00:00Pretend you're a donkey if you love the costas.
00:03Hey, aw, we love the beach.
00:06Oi, oi, better done, we love ya.
00:09Oi, oi, Kerry and Nicola, we really do.
00:12And with over 300 days of that glorious sunshine a year,
00:16it sure beats the cold and grey of the old UK.
00:19Ah, this is a lie.
00:21Living that dream can be blooming hard graft.
00:24Misting.
00:25My life, you're right.
00:26Stress level.
00:27Through the roof.
00:29But at the end of the working day...
00:31Go power.
00:32Go power.
00:33Come on, Sam.
00:34Forward.
00:34Booyah.
00:35The quality of life on the costas...
00:40Is priceless.
00:42Cheers.
00:43Peace and love.
00:44Cheers.
00:45That's why there will always be...
00:47I don't like weather, Sam.
00:48Gets in blazes where it shouldn't get.
00:49Quick, someone talk about the weather.
00:51The weather.
00:52Phew.
00:52It's friendly, it's exciting.
00:54It's just like a second home.
00:56Bargain, the big Brits in the sun.
00:58Yeah.
01:00Today on the costas...
01:02In my mind, I didn't think it was such a big job,
01:04but now I'm still there looking at it.
01:07It is, it's possible.
01:09Has chip shop owner Caroline bitten off more than she can chew with a big renovation?
01:14We will get it done today.
01:17Do we sound positive?
01:18The chance to play hard means working hard for Paul and daughter Jess.
01:24All right, Jess?
01:25Yeah.
01:25You okay doing the picnic?
01:27Mum's going to get the kids.
01:28You okay?
01:29Because I must get up.
01:29Thanks, sweetheart.
01:30And we look back to when Ant put the fun into fundraising.
01:35Find the tea, find the tea, find the tea, find the tea.
02:04Because the rest of the week, I'll be stuck in the chipper.
02:07Her new apartment allows the chip shop owner to stay on top of her business, literally.
02:12So just to give you an idea of how close I am now I've moved, watch this.
02:18I can roll out of bed onto the balcony.
02:24And it's literally there.
02:26I love it.
02:28Now that's a short commute, which is good news.
02:30Because this morning, hard-working Caroline needs to head in on her day off.
02:35So today is a big day.
02:38Hopefully, I'm going to finish a job that I started four months ago.
02:41And that's repainting the chipper.
02:46Service, Janiqua!
02:49Right, we're good to go, girls.
02:51Yeah, bring it on!
02:52Bring it on, Mr Brian!
02:54But while she's a dab hand with the fryer, Caroline's less confident with a roller.
03:00Am I good at decorating?
03:02No.
03:03Not at all.
03:04Am I easily distracted?
03:07Yeah.
03:08So I left it half done.
03:10But this time, Caroline has a secret weapon.
03:13Someone else to do the work.
03:15My friend Nate is over from England.
03:18Now, I'm closed today.
03:21So I thought, oh, perfect opportunity.
03:23Finish the painting, get Nate to help me.
03:27I didn't realise how hard painting was.
03:29I thought it was really easy.
03:31It'll be easier if you get going.
03:34Here we go.
03:36Her painting pal, Nate, not here yet.
03:38And Kaz is already drafting in extra assistance.
03:42Here I raise my muscle man.
03:43I thought my grey melts me every day.
03:46Fancy getting a pensioner to do this for you?
03:48Yeah.
03:53Here you go.
03:55My pleasure.
03:58Right, so this is where I will spend...
04:0112, 13 hours a day.
04:04We've got our fryer, which we call Princess Kate.
04:08Don't ask me why.
04:09She's always been called Princess Kate.
04:10I'm sure she'll be flattered.
04:12Here's where I put all my chips.
04:16Most importantly, toffee stash.
04:19It'll be like a toffee or two in here.
04:21There'll be time for sweets later.
04:22Aren't you meant to be decorated?
04:24The chip here was all grey.
04:26Different shades of grey.
04:28So I decided, let's go black and white.
04:31This is the black that I did in August.
04:34I never got round to doing the white.
04:36In my mind, I didn't think it was such a big job,
04:38but now I'm stood here looking at it...
04:41It is. It's massive.
04:43It's a huge task with a strict time limit.
04:47This is a really big job,
04:48cos I'm open tomorrow, so we've got to do it in a day.
04:51If I don't finish the job today, I'm in big trouble.
04:55We will get it done today.
04:58Do I sound positive?
05:00No, we will. I'm confident, I'm confident.
05:03Even though it goes all the way down here as well
05:06and all the way down there, yeah.
05:10Er, I am, no, I'm confident, I'm confident.
05:14Are you sure?
05:15I'm not confident.
05:17Thought so.
05:22Take them up now.
05:2480 miles south at the furthest point on the Costa Blanca
05:27is Pilar de la Horradada.
05:30Three, ten.
05:32For almost 15 years, Ant ran water fitness classes
05:36for the more mature expats who call this place home.
05:39Three, you're knackered now, aren't you?
05:43And if there's one thing Ant's as devoted to as his classes...
05:46I love you, too.
05:48..it's his dogs.
05:49I love them. They're my kids.
05:51I got both the dogs here in Spain.
05:53They were both rescued.
05:54Found Lily in a bin and we found Babby being in a house fire.
05:58They're both chihuahua crossers.
06:00Lily's crossed with God knows what.
06:02And today, we're harking back to the time
06:05when Ant had a barking idea,
06:07even though he'd had a mishap of his own.
06:10I locked myself out.
06:12And whilst they were going to retrieve my keys,
06:16unfortunately, I'd done a bit of an umpty dumpty
06:18and I've broken one foot and fractured the other.
06:22Ant's injuries aren't stopping him gathering prizes
06:25for a very unusual fundraiser at the Caravan Park.
06:29The concept of doggy disco is a bit like musical chairs.
06:33So when the music stops,
06:35you've got to find a chair and sit your dog on your knee.
06:39Which is lovely if you've got a little jack-o-hour like my Lily,
06:42but not lovely if you've got a rottweiler or a Great Dane.
06:45The fundraiser is for a charity run by Ant's mate Suella,
06:49or Big Red, who once took him in when he was astray.
06:54I lived with her and her children for nearly five years
06:57and they showed me probably for the first time
06:59what being part of a big at-home family was about.
07:05And I owe her my life.
07:07The least I can do is raise her some funds.
07:09I've got some carver, some blue carver,
07:16and a local company, they'll donate a €50 voucher
07:19for the local shopping centre as well.
07:22Some of the people who can't attend today
07:24have given me some money to get some donations
07:27of dog food for them.
07:32I tell you, they say the show must go on,
07:34there ain't no business like show business.
07:37Ant's stopping off to get some food for the shelter
07:40en route to the event.
07:42All of this lot that I've just got coming are under €20.
07:46Fantastic, absolutely fantastic,
07:48and it'll make such a difference to Big Red and the animals
07:51that she takes care of too.
07:53But with his injuries, getting about is a mean feat.
07:57I've got 25 minutes to get there
07:59before the doors say they're opening,
08:01but British people being British people,
08:03I imagine they've been sat there since 9 o'clock this morning,
08:06so there's nothing else to do
08:08other than off-footing along and get this party cracking on.
08:11Come on.
08:12I hope the journey's not too rough, Ant.
08:16Coming up...
08:17It's not that much, is it, really?
08:19Well, it is.
08:20Chipiona Caroline has artistic ambitions.
08:23That's going to take hours.
08:25Caroline's challenging.
08:27My dog's running the other way!
08:29And the competition gets fierce as Hans' fundraiser.
08:33Thank God you sat the dog on me and not you.
08:46Where are you?
08:48Hurry up!
08:48I'm getting there as quick as I can't.
08:50I've just been to the hairdressers.
08:51So you're getting pampered while I'm running around, yeah?
08:53I've just had a hand massage and a leg massage.
08:56Oh, how rude!
08:58In Benidorm's old town, Caroline's waiting for her pal, Nate.
09:02Right, I can see where you are. You're nearly here.
09:04Come straight to the chippy, please, Nate.
09:05Got lots for you to do.
09:07I'll be there.
09:09Today, they're meant to be giving her chippy
09:11a fresh coat of paint.
09:13We're already running behind
09:14because Nate had to go and get his hair done.
09:16I'm now thinking, why?
09:19Why have I decided to do this?
09:22Caroline first started and abandoned
09:24the chip shop touch-up three months ago.
09:27She plans to finish the whole thing today
09:30before reopening for a busy shift tomorrow.
09:33And now I'm thinking,
09:35I should have took all these down, shouldn't I?
09:38Well, it might have helped, but it's too late now.
09:41Hi-ya!
09:42Hi-ya!
09:43Are you listening?
09:44Yeah!
09:45Oh, my God!
09:48Nate's arrived.
09:49Right, what have you got me here to do?
09:51Um, not much.
09:53I promise you.
09:54Anything that's grey is going white.
09:57Caroline, that's going to take hours.
10:00Nate was being one of my best friends
10:02for the last two years,
10:03but he left me and moved back to England.
10:05So, this is the first time I've seen him in six months.
10:09It's not that much, is it, really?
10:11Well, it is, but...
10:12Well, it's not, because it's just straight walls.
10:15He's absolutely crazy.
10:16As crazy as me.
10:17But he's very loving.
10:19Very loving.
10:20Right, I'm getting down to business.
10:22Did you actually get this properly made?
10:23A lady made it for me, one of the customers.
10:26Really?
10:26Yeah.
10:27As a present.
10:28Lovely, isn't it?
10:30Really nice.
10:31Like, when did he...
10:36Oh, don't, you're going to give me a heart attack.
10:38You scared me.
10:41Me nerves are on edge, Nate.
10:43So, you need to mask this first.
10:45Whatever you don't want paint on,
10:47so like that, we'll mask it.
10:49Right, well, you do that,
10:50and I'll move everything over.
10:53Why have I got to do the cutting in?
10:54That's the worst bit.
10:56We need to get it painted ASAP.
10:59Caroline's challenging.
11:01God love her.
11:02I love how optimistic she is.
11:05And there's no way we are painting this whole restaurant.
11:10I can't believe you've actually got met on my holidays,
11:13working as a painter and decorator.
11:15Well, I actually can't believe that you went and left me
11:17and moved back to the UK.
11:18Oh, it's like a broken record.
11:20Stop being a diva.
11:22Now, now, play nicely, you two,
11:23or you'll never get it finished.
11:30Your actual image wants to be 160 mil.
11:35In the village of San Fulgentio,
11:3725 miles south of Alicante,
11:39Paul and his wife Jill are ensconced in Spanish life.
11:43Looking good, babe.
11:45Even the dogs feel right as home.
11:48Now they've all gone running down the road.
11:50The dogs are like this with every car,
11:52every tractor,
11:53every person that goes past the house.
11:55The couple have been here since 2007,
11:57and it's her true family affair.
12:00My two daughters, Hannah and Jessica,
12:02are both settled in here.
12:02They've both got children.
12:04Hannah has two little girls, both very cute.
12:06Jessica lives in Los Montesinos,
12:08with her husband and two boys, Elliot and Bobby.
12:12Both little tearaways.
12:13Daughter Jessie doesn't just live nearby.
12:15She's a key part of the family firm.
12:19We know it's roughly about there.
12:21You're going too quick for me.
12:22Years of experience, my dear.
12:24Yeah, I haven't really used this one as much, though.
12:26Our business makes personalised, custom-ordered woods.
12:29I make all the products.
12:31Jessica helps me design the products.
12:33She also does all the admin side of things.
12:36Not only is Dad my Dad, but he's my best friend.
12:40Along with Mum, the pair work from a home workshop,
12:42and it's all thanks to another member of the clan.
12:47This is the machine. It's very special to me.
12:49It does a lot of our work,
12:50but it was also bought with my mother's inheritance.
12:53So this has a lot of sentimental value,
12:56and it means a lot to me.
12:57It cost me £3,000 four years ago.
13:01It has paid for itself time and time again.
13:03But this has...
13:04I think my mother would have been well-pleased,
13:06my inheritance now keeping my family in Spain,
13:10living the dream.
13:11We do signs for houses, coasters and ornaments,
13:16and basically anything the client wants.
13:18It's not easy to make a life in Spain.
13:22You've got to be dedicated at it.
13:23You've got to find the niche.
13:26These have just finished cutting on the laser now.
13:28This is stock coasters that we take with us round the market.
13:32We typically spend six days out of seven with each other,
13:36and even on the seventh day, we're on the phone all day.
13:40Nice, simple gifts.
13:41I've also made some for my parents' visited the Costa Blanc
13:44when all I got was this lousy coaster.
13:46So I do try to make them funny.
13:48Either €3 each or €4 for €10.
13:51We do a special deal.
13:52Bargain.
13:53The family have been carving out their wood business
13:55for the past four years.
13:57We was the current markets where if we'd done €50 a day,
14:01we'd had a good day.
14:03Now, an average day is anywhere between €150 and €300.
14:07But today, this pair plan to down tools early
14:10and for very good reason.
14:13We're getting a rare afternoon off.
14:16The wife and I can spend some time with the grandchildren,
14:19which doesn't happen very often.
14:22So it's an important day for me.
14:24It's cooking nicely.
14:26An afternoon chasing his grandsons around the park
14:28is shaping up nicely for Paul.
14:30We do enjoy some eggs and bacon for breakfast.
14:33But since we last saw him,
14:34he's been piling off the pounds.
14:37OK.
14:37And that's €20.
14:38Thank you very much.
14:40That's €13 then, please.
14:42I've had people say to me,
14:45you've lost weight.
14:46I was a bit worried to ask in case you was ill.
14:49No, I'm not ill.
14:51I'm quite fit and healthy.
14:53And I have lost 38 kilos in weight.
14:57Blimey, that's nearly six stone in old money.
15:00Because I've lost 38 kilos,
15:02that's half a normal person.
15:04Come on, Paul.
15:05What's your secret?
15:06The lifestyle, I will not call it a diet,
15:09the lifestyle we have adapted to
15:10totally transformed our life,
15:12which means at least three days a week we eat steak.
15:15And who's not going to want steak three days a week?
15:18Paul's new eating regime involves a lot of meat.
15:21And while it's working for him, it won't be for everyone.
15:24I want to be able to play with my grandchildren.
15:26I want to see the grandchildren as long as possible.
15:29My father was overweight.
15:31He ended up passing away due to a heart attack.
15:34So I'm glad I've made this change so that I can be around a bit longer,
15:39hopefully enjoy the grandchildren.
15:41And Paul's determined to make memories with the grandkids this afternoon.
15:46It's a pressure day today because obviously you're having the afternoon off,
15:49but hopefully we can get this done before I have to leave as time is getting on.
16:04As soon as I've seen his eyes, I fell in love with my Chico.
16:11Well, this young man was my Chico.
16:14When I moved here and I was a little bit lonely,
16:17it was suggested that I had a cat.
16:20And the lady that I spoke to said,
16:22oh, we've got Chico, he's a lovely boy, he's 10 years old,
16:26and he needs a home.
16:28Would you like to have him?
16:29And I said, absolutely.
16:37We had a lovely funeral for him.
16:39My friend Peter walked in and said, what are we having to drink?
16:42And I said, we're having milk.
16:43He went, milk!
16:44I said, don't you dare disrespect my cat.
16:46We're having milk and tuna fish sandwiches.
16:49He's favourite.
16:57But that was me beginning of me being the mad cat lady.
17:00The rest is history.
17:01I've got the last count, I had six.
17:04They're my fur babies.
17:06They're my babies.
17:07And I love them all.
17:08They're my family.
17:18I said, give yourselves a round of applause for coming.
17:22Because you're never too old for dandy.
17:25You're here today for the animals.
17:27If I carry on at this rate, the next charity deal will be for me.
17:30On the Costa Blanca, it looks like Ant is not in the doghouse.
17:36OK, so please dig deep.
17:38Even if you can afford 50p, it's 50p.
17:40There's about 200 people here.
17:42Well, that's fantastic.
17:44Fantastic.
17:46He's running an event to raise funds for Best Palsuella, a.k.a. Big Red's Animal Rescue.
17:54It's disco music with a dog and a human and everyone's going to have a little dance.
17:59We've actually bought these because some people want to join in and they haven't got dogs.
18:03And a very, very, very, very, very, very, very warm welcome to Doggy Viscale.
18:10The winner of this gets a 50 euro voucher.
18:16As Doggy Musical Chairs gets underway.
18:19Find a chair, find a chair, find a chair.
18:22Ant also lent one of his pooches out to play.
18:25Lily's unique.
18:27Lily's manners, her temperament, her obedience.
18:30She's an absolute dream.
18:33You were saying?
18:37My dog ran the other way.
18:42I've never been so ashamed in all my life.
18:45At least the other pooches are in the party spirit.
18:53And we have a top dog.
18:55Thank God you sat the dog on me and not you.
18:59Thanks everyone for the Doggy Disco.
19:01Doggy Disco's is fun, fun, fun.
19:04I think our Debbie's worn out after Doggy Disco.
19:07It's absolutely amazing.
19:11Today's not just about the animals.
19:14You and your boys walked into my life and you made me complete.
19:21It's also a chance for Ant to thank Big Red for all she's done for him.
19:26This is really special for me.
19:28This is just so amazing, honestly.
19:32I thank every day in the world for getting Big Red and Suara.
19:36Today, I've given her something back for the life she gave me here.
19:41The Doggies might be ready for a disco nap.
19:44Ladies and gentlemen, today for Big Red's animals, you have raised €2,000.
19:54But that was just the start for Ants Animal Fundraising.
20:07Come on.
20:11That's what you get to be getting a new laptop.
20:14Technology, eh?
20:15Back in San Fulgenthio, father and daughter Paul and Jessie are busy taking orders at their
20:20family woodwork business.
20:23Right, ten.
20:25Good mornings.
20:28No problem.
20:29We'll get them made for you, sweetie, and get them sent up.
20:31Today's not just about nailing down orders.
20:34They hope to finish early to spend some precious time with Jessie's young sons.
20:39I have two kids, both boys.
20:42They are five and four years old.
20:43So we don't get many days to spend as a family.
20:48So certainly when those days come, we do make the most of it and just cram in as much as
20:53we possibly can with the kids.
20:55But even on a tight schedule, Paul finds time to indulge his daughter.
21:00Let's check how this cheese board's doing.
21:03Oh, yes.
21:06There you go.
21:07Look at that.
21:08He's knocked up a unique cheese board for one of her local pals' birthdays.
21:13I think Kat will love her.
21:15I think Kat will love that.
21:16That is so Kat's humour.
21:18She's very much into serial killers.
21:21She's what?
21:22All the Freddy Krueger movies and things like that.
21:26Oh, fictional ones.
21:27I think she's going to absolutely love it.
21:30As well as killer presents, their family firm does a fine trade in wooden trinkets and souvenirs.
21:36The machine now knows exactly where the wood is on the machine.
21:40It knows the image I want cutting into it.
21:42I've started making bird boxes, bird tables and selling them.
21:45And we've not looked back.
21:46We've not looked back, no.
21:47This is where we make a lot of our signs that are carved.
21:51It is such a versatile piece of equipment.
21:53I have made small signs with it and I have made large signs for shops, for churches.
22:00This is one we've already completed this morning.
22:03It hangs nicely on somebody's wall.
22:05That's very Blue Peter of you.
22:07But don't you need to crack on?
22:08It just reminds them they're living the dream.
22:11Oh, I certainly am living the dream.
22:12I would not change this for the world.
22:15You certainly are.
22:16But it'll be a nightmare if you don't get finished in time to take those grandkids out.
22:21All right, Jess?
22:22Yeah?
22:22You OK doing the picnic?
22:24Mum's going to get the kids.
22:25You OK?
22:26Because I must get on.
22:26Thanks, sweetheart.
22:33Coming up...
22:34Put some effort in here.
22:36Go on, imagine you're making your beer batter.
22:37Caroline and Nate aren't in the thick of things.
22:40The paint's too hot, eh?
22:41It is a disaster.
22:42And animal lover ant...
22:44Oh, look at them.
22:45I want them all.
22:46...takes paws for a good cause.
22:48I need some money off.
22:50You're pleased to get to these cats.
22:51Come on.
23:06So what am I doing?
23:08Nothing by the looks of it.
23:10No?
23:10Give me your job.
23:12Right.
23:13You need to find a stirry stirry stick.
23:14I've got one.
23:16Come on, put some effort in here.
23:17Go on, imagine you're making your beer batter.
23:20Yeah, I'm doing it.
23:22All right.
23:22God.
23:23I'm helping you, you know.
23:24I want gratitude, not attitude.
23:26In her Benidorm chippy, Caroline and pal Nate have at last started painting the walls.
23:32Oh, look at that.
23:33Wear sunglasses, it's that bright.
23:36All right, well, just be careful, because don't get it on the black, because that's going
23:38to be a nightmare.
23:39Look.
23:40Oh, sh...
23:41What did I just tell you?
23:42Right, look.
23:43Right, it's all on the freezer.
23:45But with a tight deadline, things aren't exactly going to plan.
23:49When are you opening again, babe?
23:51Tomorrow.
23:52You what?
23:52Tomorrow.
23:53There's no way.
23:54There is.
23:57Just the outside?
23:58What do you mean, just the outside?
24:00Are you letting people sitting in?
24:01Yeah.
24:04I'm OK.
24:05Let's clack on.
24:06Can't be that hard.
24:08You're just painting, rolling.
24:10I've heard of Kaz, because she shaved her head for charity, a local animal charity.
24:14She literally got a full-on skinhead, so ultimate respect from her from that day.
24:18Come here.
24:19Put your back into it.
24:20Do it.
24:21And then one of my best friends worked here, so I came in to see her one day, and then
24:26I met Kaz, and then from then we've just been inseparable.
24:28It's not me.
24:29It's the pain.
24:30Now, you need to pull it up from the bottom.
24:32See if that's thickened up.
24:33Now it's still watered.
24:35The paint's too watery.
24:37It's a disaster.
24:38It is a disaster.
24:39I've just not cut out to be a painter and decorator at all.
24:44And Nate thinks he's found another problem.
24:47It smells a bit funky.
24:48Smell that.
24:50Are you going to get me?
24:51No, I'm not.
24:51I swear.
24:54It smells lovely.
24:57How old are you?
24:5938.
25:00Blow up.
25:02At least roping in your best pal rather than paying a professional is saving you cash,
25:07Caroline.
25:08Next time, you need to pick a good colour.
25:10But unpaid assistants do come with opinions.
25:13At least if it's like an orange red or, I don't know, an eggshell or something that's
25:18a nice colour, you can actually see it going.
25:20Nate, there won't be a next time, but I will not be doing this again.
25:24You'll both need to finish this job.
25:27The chippy is open again tomorrow and customers will be waiting.
25:30It's got to be done.
25:31The chippy is just going from strength to strength.
25:35Like, we cannot keep up.
25:36We're turning people away and it's just getting busier and busier.
25:40It's had its highs, but more lows than highs.
25:43But now, it's just one big constant head.
25:47Watery paint or not, you finally seem to be making some progress on the decorating too.
25:52Oh, that looks beautiful.
25:54It's white.
25:55Beautiful.
25:57But it is going to need another coat, so you're going to have to wait for it to dry.
26:02With another coat to do and time ticking, they can't afford any more issues.
26:10What have you done?
26:11Nothing.
26:11What have you done?
26:12Nothing.
26:14Nothing.
26:20Deep fat fryers led Caroline to the good life, but what do other Brits on the costas reckon
26:25is the recipe for happiness.
26:27The secret to a long and happy life is keep enjoying yourself.
26:31I keep listening.
26:32And coming to the sunshine.
26:33The secret to a long and happy life is to always have holidays booked.
26:38The secret to a happy life has to be laughter.
26:42I also hear it's the best medicine.
26:45Relax, enjoy, go with the flow.
26:47We don't get stressed by anything.
26:49The secret to a long and happy life is to not take yourself too seriously and to just be a
26:54nice person
26:54and think about other people.
26:56Now that is sound advice.
26:58Deep fat to a long and happy life is a happy wife.
27:01He's having a lovely wife like me.
27:04Well, you two seem pretty chipper, so I'll take that on board.
27:13You've got some boiled eggs there, the rest need boiling, and some belly pork for me and mum, please.
27:17In San Fulgencio, Paul and his daughter Jessie and the rest of the clan have been grafting
27:22for the Spanish good life for the past 17 years.
27:26We are a hard-working family.
27:28I wouldn't say that my dad has got me working all the time.
27:31I would say that's more me.
27:34I'm very work-driven.
27:35I reckon it's in the blood.
27:38We always worked with mum and dad in their businesses in England from a very young age,
27:43so I think I've always been work-driven.
27:45But even business brains like these two need some downtime,
27:49and today they're taking Jessie's young sons and her mum, Jill,
27:53for a picnic at the local duck park.
27:55I'm looking forward to spending time with my kids, with my parents,
27:58and just generally having a bit of family time, which is well needed.
28:02With both her parents now observing a strict diet,
28:06the catering isn't as straightforward as knocking up a few sarnies.
28:10I'll just cut all this up for mum and dad.
28:13But Jessie's giving them a local favourite to sink their teeth into.
28:17Can't beat a good bit of belly pork with lots of fat on it.
28:21With the weight loss now, I can enjoy the grandchildren a lot more
28:24because I can chase them around the park and push them on the swing.
28:28I am looking forward to the picnic.
28:30It is coming up to our busy period at the moment,
28:33but I think the day with the children is going to be worth it.
28:38Let's go.
28:39What are we going to do at the park then, Bobby?
28:42Be good.
28:43Be good?
28:44Are you going to see the duckies?
28:47See your duck park?
28:49Duck park.
28:50Now you remember it.
28:52Now you remember it.
28:57Picnic time.
28:59Now I've got two showers.
29:01You're going to eat sausage.
29:03Wow, that's a lot of food.
29:06But this lot aren't the only ones who fancy an alfresco lunch.
29:10Where are you?
29:11Patos.
29:12Patos.
29:13Patos.
29:14Patos.
29:14That's a duck in Spanish.
29:16Mm-hmm.
29:16And they're all after your food, aren't they?
29:18Yeah.
29:19Mm-hmm.
29:20Well, if you eat it quickly, they can't eat it then, can they?
29:23The visitors won't be going quackers for all the family's meals.
29:27Look, he's waiting for some bread.
29:29And unfortunately for the ducks, Abu's on a carnivore diet.
29:32So I've got no bread to give him today.
29:35What's not good for the goose is good for the grandad.
29:40Good kick.
29:41Since I've been on the carnivore diet, it certainly has changed my lifestyle.
29:46I can now play football with the boys without getting out of breath or getting tired quickly.
29:51Can I pass it to me then?
29:53Whoops.
29:54Hello, sir.
29:56You can go and get that.
29:58It's actually nice to spend some time with the grandchildren.
30:00Normally this time of day I'd still be slaving away.
30:05Come on then, bring me the ball.
30:06Oh, look at that peacock.
30:08Dos.
30:09I see more.
30:10Tres.
30:11Tres.
30:12I definitely think we will have to work more after having an afternoon off, but you have
30:17to have some play.
30:18But even in this downtime...
30:20In the moon?
30:21Moon, moon, moon, moon.
30:22In the moon?
30:23You want to reach the moon?
30:25Paul still has one eye on the future of the family firm.
30:29One day I'll be getting more quality time when this one will be running the workshop, won't
30:33you, Elliot?
30:34Uh-huh.
30:35He will one day take over the business.
30:37We work probably more hours than I did in England, especially with the woodwork business,
30:42being so successful as it is.
30:44But it's a better lifestyle, though.
30:46But it is a much better lifestyle.
30:48Are you guys not waiting for me, then?
30:50I know you're not used to having me around, but, you know...
30:52Come on, slow coach.
30:53Sometimes it can be hard working a lot of hours, but the days that we do have together,
30:59they mean a lot to us.
31:09We love it.
31:10We love it.
31:11Cheers.
31:15So when I'm at home, in my dressing gown or just in my shorts, I go out on the terrace
31:20and I have my little, I call it the lookout tower.
31:27So I like to stand there, usually have a cup of tea in my hand,
31:30and I can chill, have a look around, and I can see all the views around,
31:35from Fwangarola right to the mountains.
31:42When we first looked around the apartment, I didn't want it because of the fear of heights,
31:46but now I've got so used to it, been here for 17 years.
31:55It's like being a nosy neighbour, really.
31:57I can have a look around, see what everybody's doing, look in the cafes,
32:01sign, watch the trains come in, make sure they're on time.
32:12Hi, Miriam, nice to meet you.
32:13My name's Anthony.
32:15We just wanted to come and have a little look round and see if there's anything you need.
32:18It's now five months since Ant threw his doggy disco fundraiser,
32:22and the animal lover is back on his feet.
32:25Oh, look at them, I want them all.
32:27And determined to help more creatures in need.
32:30Not food.
32:30He's turned his attention to a troubled cat sanctuary on the Costa Blanca.
32:35Well, we came one morning, and we saw that everything had been destroyed.
32:40Vandals recently ransacked this rescue centre.
32:44All the cages were open and threw away, and all the food was gone, all the cats were running loose.
32:52The Costa is more or less, it costs about 500 euros to restore everything.
32:57When I heard about the destruction of the cat colony,
32:59I felt the least I could do was go out and try and raise some funds to help them get
33:03back on their feet.
33:05Morning, girls!
33:06Morning!
33:07I was told a long time ago that you'd only get community with unity.
33:12You've got to have that unity there.
33:13It's over to Ant's weight loss class.
33:16I've asked the girls if they had any ideas, and they've come up with a few, haven't you, girls?
33:20Elaine come up with a sponsored silence, because she never shuts up.
33:24You know, Sheila come up with a sponsor's eat-a-thon, because she loves her food.
33:29So, yeah, we've all had just different ideas, and we thought the best one as a group that we can
33:34all do
33:34would probably be to have the walk.
33:38People will have to donate to take part in this catwalk.
33:41I want your donations.
33:43Oh, lovely, thank you.
33:46There you go.
33:47Thank you very much.
33:48Ant wants to raise as much as he can, so he needs to find as many participants as possible.
33:55Oh, morning, girls. How are you?
33:58Oh, it's red hot out there, isn't it?
34:00I love the planning, I love the build-up.
34:02When it comes to fundraising, Ant's not the kind of person to pussyfoot around.
34:07Before I go, I need some money off you, please, to give to these cats.
34:10Come on. Oh, lovely.
34:12Every penny helps, it's appreciated, isn't it?
34:15It certainly is, Ant.
34:18Coming up, Nate has news for Caroline.
34:21Are you serious?
34:23I'm thinking about it.
34:24Serious?
34:25Yeah.
34:28And will Ant fill his kitty at his charity walk?
34:31I've made the girls some tails.
34:33Pin the tail on the pensioner.
34:35Oh, there you go.
34:36Give us a shake, Nana.
34:50You're allergic to paintings.
34:52I think I'm coming down with that.
34:53I'm looking at this side now thinking, oh, God, it can wait.
34:57We'll just do upstairs today, OK?
35:00We're just doing this wall today.
35:01Back in Benidorm, Caroline is having a reality check.
35:05I didn't realise it was such hard work.
35:08I really don't think we're going to get it all done at all.
35:10We'll probably get half the job done.
35:11But the walls she and best pal, Nate, have started painting are looking good.
35:17It's definitely much brighter.
35:19Yeah.
35:20Mussler.
35:21I think I'm getting good guns.
35:23To be fair, it is going on quite quick.
35:25That's what I'm saying.
35:26He's lovely to see, Nate.
35:28And I've missed him like crazy.
35:29But, yeah, it's always lovely to see, Nate.
35:32He's organised.
35:33He's proactive.
35:34He's one of my best friends.
35:36We know each other inside out.
35:37I'm whizzing through it now, look.
35:39It's just always fun with Caroline.
35:41But I think I'm doing the most work because she knows I'm a bit soft on her
35:46and I'll do anything for her.
35:49The half of the chippy they have managed to paint needs to dry
35:52before they give it a second coat.
35:54If you're honest, not to me.
35:56I'm starving.
35:57So there's time to refuel.
35:59There's paint everywhere, Caroline's.
36:00I'm so embarrassed to go for dinner like this.
36:03Have I still got it on my face, have I?
36:06Are you winding me up?
36:08You both look great.
36:10Ribs.
36:11I get that.
36:12Nate now lives back in the UK
36:13and today's the first time he's seen Caroline in six months.
36:17Perfect alignment.
36:19Oh, look at them.
36:20Thank you very much.
36:22Do you miss this?
36:23Like, sitting outside eating your dinner?
36:26I do miss Benidorm.
36:27This was our thing, wasn't it?
36:29Yeah.
36:29Do you miss me having me here?
36:31What do you think?
36:31I'm on me own.
36:32Why am I?
36:33The thing is, with a place like this,
36:35sometimes you can feel so alone in the most busiest city in Europe
36:38and the busiest nightlife.
36:40Yeah.
36:40Obviously, I've got the other gang.
36:42I haven't had that one best friend that I can just offload to.
36:45I wouldn't have any subject in the world
36:47that I wouldn't be able to come to you and speak about.
36:49Yeah.
36:50It's like you're my mum and my best friends.
36:51Do you know what I mean?
36:53Your mum?
36:54Yeah, but in a good way.
36:56That'll be your big sister.
36:58I think you're pushing it a bit there, babe.
37:00You've just ruined me moment, Nate.
37:03Nate's not just handing out dubious compliments.
37:06He also has some big news.
37:08On that note, as soon as I seen you and that was it,
37:11I was like, I need to be back here.
37:13Do you mean it?
37:13Right.
37:14Are you going to come back?
37:15I'm thinking about it.
37:22It's exciting news.
37:24Are you serious?
37:25Yeah.
37:26But you do have other pressing matters.
37:28We've got to go and do that second code.
37:31Vanadol, as busy as it is, it's also very, very lonely.
37:35Really lonely.
37:36And people don't seem to understand that.
37:38So you need your friends for those lonely times.
37:47Nate, I swear to God.
37:49How's it dried?
37:50Dead good.
37:51Right, let's get cracking now.
37:53I'm feeling a little bit more positive,
37:55but this is the easy bit now, isn't it?
37:57And when you know you've nearly finished,
37:59you can work faster.
38:00We've just smashed it.
38:01We've both gone in full of energy,
38:03full of positivity,
38:04because Nate's told me that he's coming back,
38:06so I'm just on a high now.
38:07I'll tell you something.
38:08As much as I love you,
38:09I'm not doing a third coat.
38:11After a hard day's work,
38:12the chip shop painting is done at last.
38:15High five!
38:18Well, half of it.
38:19Oh, my God.
38:21What?
38:21Finally, we've done it.
38:23Well done.
38:23Well done, you.
38:24Well done.
38:25Woo-hoo!
38:26Thanks, Nate.
38:27Love you.
38:28I don't love you right now,
38:30but you're welcome.
38:33He has painted the chippy with me
38:36and made it look absolutely beautiful,
38:38and then he's finished off the day
38:40by telling me that he's moving back.
38:42So for me, I have had the best day ever.
38:44I've loved it.
38:45Oh, I've loved it, too.
38:48You're a slave driver, though,
38:49and I want a bath,
38:50but I'm impressed with what we've done.
38:52See what you can achieve
38:53when you don't mess about.
38:58Don't come out, we.
39:00Behave yourselves.
39:11I've made the girls some tails,
39:14pin the tail on the pensioner.
39:15I've been quite ingenious with these.
39:17They're all different, as you can see.
39:18I've tried many different methods.
39:20On the Costa Blanca,
39:21Ant's ensuring his charity walkers are feline the part.
39:25Something to make them some whiskers.
39:27He's raising money to help the local cat rescue,
39:30which was recently targeted by vandals.
39:34I'm determined we'll make a difference to them poor cats.
39:37You two be good now.
39:39See you later.
39:43Ant's en route to the walk,
39:44but there's just time for a pit stop
39:46at a Horradada bar
39:47for some last-minute fundraising.
39:50Oh, is it been all right?
39:51Yeah, look at that.
39:51The catwalkers are waiting.
39:54They've all donated to join this puss parade.
39:57Oh, there you go.
39:57Give it a shake, Nana.
39:59There you go.
40:00And Ant's helping them look the part.
40:03I'll do your whiskers.
40:05Anyone want some ears?
40:06Don't worry, I've got plenty.
40:08Who wants a tail?
40:09No, I don't want a tail.
40:10Come on, now.
40:11You've got to have a tail.
40:13Shall we go, then, campers?
40:16Come on, you lot.
40:17Slow down, shake.
40:19Oh, it's like herding cats,
40:21Ant.
40:22No-one's in a rush.
40:23We live in Spain.
40:24It's all manana, manana.
40:26Isn't this lovely?
40:27Look at all these people.
40:28A lovely summer's evening.
40:30We're out on the Costa Blanca
40:32going for a walk.
40:34Everyone's dressed up and happy.
40:36What more do you want from life?
40:39The group's destination is the cat colony.
40:42You OK? How you doing?
40:44Not too fast for you, is it?
40:45You go nice and slow.
40:47Armed with their donations
40:48and the money Ant's raised
40:50touring local bars.
40:51So we're just coming up
40:53to the colony now.
40:54The ladies are waiting patiently.
40:56It's just nice to be able to do it.
40:59We have some good news for you.
41:01We have good news.
41:02Come, come.
41:04We've raised for you
41:051,600 euros.
41:10No.
41:11See?
41:12Really?
41:13Yeah.
41:14For you, so you can continue to do your work.
41:17You're welcome.
41:19You're welcome.
41:20You're so welcome from all of us.
41:21You deserve it.
41:22I thought 500 euros was a big target.
41:25And to know that with the culmination of everyone's effort,
41:28they're going to get 1,600 euros.
41:33That's triple the target that was set out.
41:35The extra money will help the colony cover their food and bills.
41:41It's happy to.
41:43Now we have some good fun, yeah?
41:45You come and see the cats.
41:46Come on.
41:47Oh, we've got newborn kittens.
41:50These kittens are five minutes old.
41:52She's literally given birth just before we've got here.
41:55She's had four babies.
41:58You've got your babies.
42:00Yeah, you go and look after them.
42:02Good girl.
42:03We leave her alone now, yeah?
42:05Thanks to Ant and his gals,
42:07these kittens can look forward to a purr-fect future.
42:11Thank you to the colony for inviting us over this evening
42:13and thank you to all of you for smashing the target.
42:16Cheers!
42:19Getting emotional, actually.
42:20Yeah, really emotional.
42:22Just that people have cared so much, really.
42:24The community around this area is absolutely fantastic.
42:28Everybody looks after everybody.
42:31See, the cat.
42:32It's amazing.
42:34I'm completely overwhelmed and so happy
42:36that we've managed to achieve it.
42:37Meow!
42:40Next time on The Costas,
42:42it's all stress and squeezing for Will Sparkle.
42:45Breathe in.
42:46Dan's DIY dreams...
42:48Yay!
42:49...turn into disaster.
42:51No.
42:51Oh, not all over my children.
42:53And we buzz back to when B-Whisperer Bill misplaced his queen.
42:57Come on, Yvonne, where are you?
42:59I'll see you next time.
43:00Thanks for joining me today.
43:05Bye-bye.
43:07Bye-bye.
43:09Bye-bye.
43:15Bye-bye.
43:17Bye-bye.
43:22Bye-bye.
43:26Next time off.
43:27Bye-bye.
43:28Bye-bye.
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