Joanna Morris, 42, from Newcastle-Under-Lyme, appeared on Channel 5’s Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday and was left speechless after finding out how much her luxury break cost
A kitchen worker who featured on ‘Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday’ was left “lost for words” after discovering her trip on a £13M superyacht was the priciest episode yet.
Joanna Morris, 42, an avid viewer of every episode of the Channel 5 show, decided to apply to participate with her mate Lisa, 51. Just a few months later, she found herself aboard a superyacht equipped with saunas, hot tubs, private chefs, a bar and 15 bedrooms.
The reality TV programme brings together four individuals – two from the wealthiest and two from the poorest income brackets – to experience each other’s holidays. After their application was accepted, Joanna and Lisa were informed they’d be jetting off to Croatia for their budget and luxury holidays in May.
They teamed up with two lads from Manchester, Jake and Arnie, who amassed their wealth through online trading.
The budget holiday had them bunking in a hostel for four nights in Trogir, where they embarked on a walking tour and enjoyed a budget beach day with crisp sandwiches and their own lilos which they brought along.
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After four nights, the group had to estimate the cost of their budget holiday – around £900 – before they got to indulge in a life of opulence.
The quartet were treated to three nights on a £13m superyacht cruising around the Dalmatian islands – complete with 15 bedrooms, a sauna, hot tub, cinema room, bar, restaurant, and sun deck.
They were given carte blanche to splurge in towns along the Croatian coast, jet ski, and order whatever they fancied whenever they wanted.
At the end of the holiday, they were once again asked to guess the price of the trip – which came out to a whopping £134,936. Joanna, a kitchen worker from Newcastle-Under-Lyme, said: “It felt like a dream.
“I’ve watched every episode and they’re usually like 5K holidays up to 20K sometimes so I thought I could be going on a 20k holidays here but ours ended up being the most expensive episode they’ve ever done. I usually go with the girls to Magaluf or Benidorm, but we haven’t done that for a few years as holidays aren’t as cheap as they used to be.
“But the yacht was beyond unreal, I was seriously lost for words. Especially as I watch all the Below Deck stuff. At £134k I think it was above the lads’ normal as well, and that was just for three nights.”
Following her confirmation on the programme, Joanna was instructed to pack and they filmed background material at her home.
She said: “It was so varied, raincoats, walking shoes and then beach towels. It did rain whilst we were there so maybe it was needed – it was all just crazy. They came on the Saturday to do all the backstory about us at our houses and at about 5pm we got the information as to where we were going.
“They said we were going on a budget holiday and an expensive holiday in Croatia. This season they’ve done it so you go together and experience both, rather than swapping holidays.”
Initially, it was down to Joanna and Lisa to demonstrate to the high-rollers how they typically take their breaks. Joanna said: “We had four nights in a hostel and then they showed us how to do a holiday without a budget.
“The lads were alright actually, they’ve not come from money, they’ve made money. I think they enjoyed it more than they’d like to admit! We did a walking tour around the town we stayed in – it was like a little island.
“We went on a budget beach day – but it was more like a pond! We took our own lilos with us and we packed crisps sandwiches from the hostel that morning – so we did have a laugh!”.
Next up was the pricey getaway, and Joanna revealed she “didn’t want to leave” the luxury yacht.
She continued: “I couldn’t wrap my head around it. It had a sauna, hot tub, cinema room. 15 bedrooms, bar, restaurant, sun deck – it was unreal.
“You could have whatever you wanted, whenever. We did jet skiing; I did it even though I’m scared of open water and I knew I’d never get the chance to do it again. You can just hear me screaming on the show! We anchored somewhere different each night.
“We went luxury shopping and bought sunglasses – they said there was no budget, but off camera it was £500 each. The lads were 25 years old and loved Instagram so they were loving it – in their element.
“They made their money through online trading – I’m not sure exactly what but it’s enough to buy a 25-year-old a Ferrari. I didn’t want to leave the yacht. We got on really well and got so close with the boys – we just clicked.”
Before the cameras stopped rolling, the two duos swapped presents.
Joanna revealed: “At the end they always give out presents, so we gave them mugs that we bought from the market and for me they said they’re going to clear some of my debts. But as of yet, I still haven’t received anything”.
“I’m in contact with one of them. They didn’t say how much they’d pay but the programme called and asked how much afterwards. It was for rent arrears – which I’m £900 in debt on.”
The episode was broadcast on Channel 5 on August 17.