The sobering Channel 5 programme hosted the Webbs, a family of four from East London, and the Heasmans, a family of four from Essex.
Sharron Webb swapped her cramped three-bedroom flat in Walthamstow with the Heasmans, who lived on a spacious farmhouse outside the UK capital.
Mark and Claire Heasman along with their two children, Jake and Kez, left their six acres of land in exchange for the tiny council unit.
The Heasman property boasted five bathrooms, a swimming pool and a tennis court.
Sharron, 46, moved in with her three children, Marcus, 29, Kamesha, 16 and 11-year-old Andre.
During the week the families participated in the normal activities of each other’s daily lives.
The most impressive aspect of the experience for Sharron’s son Marcus was his room. The East London worker had been sleeping on the couch of his family’s flat for over a year.
He was very impressed by his first good night’s sleep in so long, and 62 miles away, Mark Heasman was shocked to discover the son’s typical sleeping arrangements.
Mark said: “A grownup lad has to sleep on something as uncomfortable as this is the middle of London. It’s really sad. It’s pretty sobering actually.”
The two families swapped their extremely contrasting budgets too – £113 for the Webbs and £1,661 for the Heasmans.
Sharron spent her newfound cash on desperately needed new clothes for her kids.
The Webbs were also blown away by the £300 grocery shop that was delivered to their home, complete with champagne and gourmet foods like anchovies and camembert.
Marcus was stunned by the budget, adding: “When you are somewhere like this and see how people shop it’s kind of shocking.”
Marcus also resolved to make changes when he got back home to Walthamstow.
He said: “This has been a life lesson for me and when I go back to London I want to be there for my family a lot more. I’ve realised that my family is very awesome.”
The Heasmans also said it was “one of the best things” they’ve done – as the experience brought them closer together and made them much more appreciative of their space in Essex as well as they’re comfortable lives.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
