I became strangely fascinated by a series of choices a couple were making on a recent TV show. I’m sure you're familiar with the endless and most welcome stream of programmes where couples search for a new home. Whether it’s Escape to the Country or Kirsty and Phil, it’s essentially the TV version of surfing property websites. There’s something compelling about seeing other people’s homes. How they live, their decor choices, and whether or not I like any of it. It’s the perfect kind of easy viewing when you’re a bit bored and armed with a cuppa.

What I particularly enjoy are the endings. The couple are asked which house they prefer, and more often than not, they choose the one that ticks none of their original boxes, however, they’ve “fallen in love.” There’s probably some pressure to say something vaguely positive, which is why we often hear things like, “We’re going to speak to the agent for a second viewing,” or, “We’re coming back with the in-laws.” Either way, the voiceover usually reveals that they didn’t buy and are still looking.

This week’s A Place in the Sun had a real twist. I’m not even sure why I was watching it, but there I was.

The location was somewhere stunning along the Mediterranean. The opening scene had the couple and the presenter on a beach promenade, discussing their requirements and budget. The properties on this show always intrigue me. Why do so many kitchens have curtains instead of cupboard doors? Why are some places furnished like a Safe House? And who wants a sun terrace with a satellite dish the size of a Ford Fiesta?

As I watched the initial interview, two very strange things emerged. Bearing in mind this was A Place in the Sun, and they were literally standing by the beach, the man said: “I don’t really like the sun. I prefer shade.” Was he aware of the name of the show he was in? Had he done any research on the part of the planet he was visiting? Ever heard of Scotland? That would surely tick more boxes.

The presenter took it in her stride and reiterated that shade would be important. Then came the second twist. The woman added: “I don’t like sand.”

Who booked this couple? Why would anyone work and save so hard, and allocate nearly £200,000, to buy a property that’s bound to irritate them?

To her credit, the presenter handled it with grace and professionalism, pivoting quickly to a rustic inland property with shade and charm and within budget. Then it hit me, do people go on these shows just to get a free holiday? View a few homes, act vaguely interested, say you’re going to contact the agent, and then fly home and tell your mates you got a break away for nothing?

Cynical or reasonable? In fairness to the couple, there isn’t a show called Landlocked, Cloudy, and Nowhere Near a Beach.