How the Other Half Live
1/6,Ch 4T - hursday 08 April 9:00pm - 10:00pm When this series launched last year it felt awkward, an uncomfortable mix of The Secret Millionaire and Wife Swap with the emotional subtlety of a seal-clubbing video. It's better now. But you may still wince at the way philanthropy is dished out for the cameras: a rich family sends cheques for thousands of pounds to a poor family. Then they meet, marvel at each other's lifestyles and exchange hugs and gifts. Tonight, it's two families in Gloucestershire: the rich Abingdons are sponsoring the Buffreys - single mum Cal and her guitar-playing daughter Iris. What lends the tale depth is Cal's history: a former new age traveller who has qualified as a barrister but can't work as one. Multimillionaire David is horrified at the wasted talent and does his best to help. It's a sobering angle on how privilege works, and the emotional punch is unavoidable. However hard-hearted you are, your lip may quiver slightly when Iris opens a present from the Abingdons: her first guitar.
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SubtitledRadiotimes
