A karaoke-loving Brit has become an unexpected local celebrity in Alicante after his house-hunting journey featured on Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun – and he didn’t let hurricane-force winds or the lure of cheap pints get in the way.
Neil Williams, a self-proclaimed “Piano Man killer” on karaoke nights, travelled with his wife Jane to Spain in search of a sunny escape from the grey skies of Britain. Their quest for Mediterranean bliss – and a family-sized bolthole – was captured on camera as part of the popular Channel 4 series.
Their daughter, Daily Star Assistant News Editor Kelly Williams, shared how the announcement of their TV debut was initially met with groans of dread. Neil, known among family and friends for his love of a pint, a pie, and a badly sung Barry Manilow ballad, was certainly not expected to be the next TV heartthrob.
The couple had long dreamt of swapping Merseyside drizzle for Spanish sun, hoping to spend long weekends golfing, sipping Sangria and eventually entertaining kids and grandkids in their future retreat. But filming didn’t go quite to plan – Alicante was hit with some of the worst wind and rain in nearly a century during the shoot, leaving Jane’s hair and several umbrellas at the mercy of the storm.
Despite the weather, Neil and Jane powered through, with a clear vision for what they wanted: a three-bedroom property big enough for visiting family and close to the beach. And they had a warning from the kids ringing in their ears – don’t be one of those couples who never actually buy. “We want cheap holidays,” the family had insisted.
After viewing several homes with presenter Leah Charles-King (whose outfit Neil cheekily compared to a fruit salad), they finally settled on a charming three-bed townhouse in Gran Alacant – just 10 minutes from the airport. Bought for a budget-friendly £106,723, the property came fully furnished and now sleeps eight after some light refurbishments.
Set near the lively Masa Square, the home is nestled in an area filled with expat Brits craving warm weather but not quite ready to say goodbye to home comforts. Here, you’ll find everything from full English breakfasts and carveries served from 15 slow cookers at The Belfry, to “holiday measure” G&Ts and Sunday roasts just like back in the UK.
For Neil, it’s karaoke heaven. He’s become a regular fixture at The Pub – a local bar where he often takes over the mic from resident Scottish crooner Kev with cringe-worthy 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 thick Scouse accent.
The property, previously owned by a British retiree, became available after post-Brexit visa restrictions limited how long non-residents could stay. For Neil and Jane, it was a golden opportunity. And with help from the inheritance left by Jane’s late mum Pearl, the deal was done.
Touchingly, they renamed their new home Casa Jai in honour of Pearl, who had affectionately called Jane “Jai”. The name seemed even more fitting when they discovered the previous owner had dubbed it Casa Jaime. Looking back, Jane said she never expected they’d be able to buy a whole house within their £110,000 budget. “I had only expected to get a flat,” she told producers during a follow-up chat.
So next time you’re in Gran Alacant and find yourself at a local karaoke night – don’t be surprised if you spot a proud Scouser belting out Barry Manilow to an adoring crowd. Just don’t ask for requests.
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