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09 Apr, 2025
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My dad bought property on A Place in the Sun - we were stunned by what happened next
@Source: birminghammail.co.uk
A karaoke enthusiast from Britain has unexpectedly become a local star in Alicante after his property search was broadcast on Channel 4's A Place in the Sun. Neil Williams, who jokingly refers to himself as a "Piano Man killer" during karaoke sessions, ventured to Spain with his wife Jane, aiming to find a sun-soaked haven away from the dreary British weather. Their pursuit of a Mediterranean paradise and a spacious second home was documented on the well-loved Channel 4 programme. Read more Eamonn Holmes announces new podcast after going missing from GB News Their daughter, Daily Star Assistant News Editor Kelly Williams, recounted how the family initially reacted with apprehension to the news of their television appearance. Neil, renowned among his circle for his fondness for beer, pies, and off-key renditions of Barry Manilow hits, was an unlikely candidate for becoming the nation's new television darling. The pair had long harboured aspirations of trading the damp climate of Merseyside for the Spanish sunshine, with visions of leisurely weekends playing golf, enjoying Sangria, and eventually hosting their children and grandchildren in their prospective holiday home. However, the filming schedule faced unexpected challenges as Alicante experienced some of its most severe wind and rain in decades, resulting in Jane's hairstyle and several umbrellas succumbing to the tempestuous weather conditions. Despite the weather, Neil and Jane remained determined, with a clear vision for their dream home: a three-bedroom property spacious enough for visiting family and near the beach. They also had a stern warning from their children - don't be one of those couples who never actually buy, reports the Mirror . "We want cheap holidays," the family had insisted. After touring several properties with presenter Leah Charles-King (whose outfit Neil humorously likened to a fruit salad), they finally decided on a delightful three-bed townhouse in Gran Alacant - just a 10-minute drive from the airport. Purchased for a budget-friendly £106,723, the fully furnished property now sleeps eight following some minor refurbishments. Located near the bustling Masa Square, the home is situated in an area popular with British expats seeking warm weather but not quite ready to part with familiar comforts. Here, you'll find everything from full English breakfasts and carveries served from 15 slow cookers at The Belfry, to generous "holiday measure" G&Ts and Sunday roasts reminiscent of back home. For Neil, it's a karaoke paradise. He's become a regular at The Pub - a local bar where he often takes over the mic from resident Scottish singer Kev with his entertaining renditions of Copacabana and Dignity. Locals, many of them fellow Brits, can't get enough. He's even started learning Spanish - much to everyone's amusement, given his strong Scouse accent. After Brexit visa changes, a British retiree's property came up for grabs, providing Neil and Jane with an ideal chance. They snapped up the opportunity, supported by Jane's inheritance from her late mother Pearl, finalising the purchase seamlessly. In a poignant tribute, they renamed their new abode Casa Jai to honor Pearl, who used to affectionately call Jane "Jai". The name gained even more significance when they learned the home was previously known as Casa Jaime. Reflecting on the purchase, Jane confessed to the show's producers during a catch-up session, "I had only expected to get a flat," expressing her surprise at acquiring a house within their £110,000 budget. So, the next time you're around Gran Alacant and stumble upon a local karaoke evening, don't be shocked to witness a Scouser passionately performing Barry Manilow tunes to an appreciative audience. Just steer clear of making song requests.
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