A single mother who appeared on the Channel 5 show Rich House, Poor House was compelled to decline a life-changing job offer due to personal circumstances and an impractical commute. Steph, who lives on just £98 a week after bills, was offered a £60,000-a-year sales position by wealthy ice cream entrepreneur Joe Sealey, owner of Mr Whippy. However, the relocation of the office to a new site meant a four-hour round trip each day, which she could not manage as a single parent to her two daughters, Amelia (12) and Darcey (7), while also caring for her unwell mother, Gail.
Difficult Decision After Life Swap
During the show, Steph and her family swapped homes with Joe Sealey, who lives in a six-bedroom estate with a cinema room, gym, and indoor pool. In contrast, Steph's three-bedroom council house had a damaged ground floor and mould in her daughter's bedroom. Despite working six days a week in telesales, she struggles to cover basic costs. At the end of the swap, Joe offered her a job on his sales team with a starting salary of £60,000, but the office relocation made the commute unfeasible.
Health Concerns and Family Responsibilities
Steph explained on TikTok: "Sadly due to the main office relocation it would mean a four hour round trip commuting for me, to be able to go there and take that job offer up." She added that her mother's health has not improved since filming, saying: "My amazing mum, whose health is not great... it's not viable for me to be able to travel a four hour round trip. I need to be closer to my girls and my mum." Despite the setback, she expressed gratitude to Joe, the production team, Channel 5, and viewers.
Unfinished Business Deal
Steph also revealed that a separate business deal from the show, which promised £20,000 from initial sales proceeds, has yet to be completed. Joe is reportedly still working to finalise the deal with Kaspas, the company she pitched to. Rich House, Poor House is available to stream on Channel 5.
