It was during the spring of 2020 that “Help, we have bought a farmhouse” premiered on SVT. The viewers then had to follow how the spouses Kalle Zackari Wahlström and Brita Zackari took up farm life in Sorunda in Sörmland.
– It’s like a constant stream of hassle. You don’t understand what it means to live like this until you’re in the middle of it. Once you are, it’s just everyday life. But we have chosen to live like this and it is not because it is problem-free, Kalle has previously told Aftonbladet.
Viewers have been able to see Brita Zackari and Kalle Zackari Wahlström in “Help, we bought a farm”. Photo: Janne Danielsson/SVT
The series, which aired for a full five seasons, has featured everything from renovations, farming and animal husbandry. But in January of this year, it was clear that a tragedy had occurred: a barn on the farm had burned to the ground.
“All that’s left is a sooty skeleton and barbells and something in glass that has completely melted and two cups that have no sentimental value at all, but I was still childishly happy to find them in the ashes.
Not a living soul was hurt, and I’m so so so thankful for that and that the kids slept through it all and never had to experience the flames,” wrote Brita in a post on Instagram at the time.
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Brita Zackari and Kalle Zackari Wahlström’s barn burned down. Photo: Felix Zakrisson/SVT
To The evening paper has Kalle said that the couple, at first,
– When it had just burned down, we felt, the hell can we take this? We’ve given this place five years and built everything up in different ways. You don’t really handle such big setbacks. When the barn burned down, it was really four steps back. But after a while we found energy again and a kind of rekindling.
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“Help, we have bought a French ruckel” has premiered
But not only has there been energy to rebuild the barn, but in a new series of programs – entitled “Help, we’ve bought a French Ruckel” – the couple are also embarking on a new project.
“If the farmhouse was more Kalle’s dream, it is in the new series ‘Help, we have bought a French ruckel’ Brita’s turn to realize hers. In a mountain village located on the south coast of France in the wine mecca of Languedoc-Roussillon, Brita finds her dream house,” SVT wrote in a press release before the premiere, which took place on October 10.
“Neither anxiety about making a decision, the realization that it will require a solid renovation effort, or a thick blanket of decades of pigeon poop can stop Brita from seeing the charm and possibilities of the three-story house. She is excited about the original details, beautiful stone floors, magnificent stucco and the patio. But it’s a long journey she embarks on, with many doubts along the way,” the channel continues.
“Help, we’ve bought a French ruff” premiered on October 10. Photo: Felix Zakrisson/Three barrels/SVT
Most of the focus is therefore on Brita this time, although Kalle is also involved in both one and two corners. For SVT has the program’s project manager Martin Vårdstedt told about what viewers can expect.
– It is many people’s fantasy to have a place in the south of France, but when Brita loads the van towards the destination of her dreams, we get a fantastic insight into how incredibly awkward, chaotic and comical it can be in practice. I’m very happy that the hit series “Hjälp, vi har köp en Bondgård” has a sibling with the same indomitable energy and wonderful humor.
The accusations in social media: “SVT pays”
When SVT, on the channel’s official Facebook page, shared the news of the steaming fresh program, many shared cheers and seemed excited to see “Help, we’ve bought a French jerk”.
But among the more than 360 comments, there were also several people who had a recurring question about — or even accusation against — the program. Many people seem to be of the opinion that it is tax funds that financed the house purchase and the renovations in “Help, we have bought a French ruckel”.
This is how some people write in the comment field:
“Unfathomable that we are funding this through our tax bill.”
“This feels ‘authentic’ and not at all sponsored…”
“Finally some new thinking for the tax money! It would have been boring if they did something that had already been done! Lucky that you get the TV/radio fee on the tax bill now so the quality increases!”
“They’ll probably get SVT to pay most of it, and then it’s all right!”
“And this is funded by our tax dollars.”
“Yes, it’s fine to buy a ruckle if you get paid for it. They don’t pay everything out of their own pockets, do they?”
“So are we taxpayers who continue to pay for their ‘dreams’?? Feels like it’s a bit too much! NOTE This is not a criticism of Kalle and Brita as people.”
“SVT pays, tax money goes to celebrities’ accommodation.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. Shall we say that Kalle and Brita can pay for their own renovations starting next year? Yes? Yes!”
Photo: Screenshot/Facebook/SVT
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SVT’s answer: “Does not bear any costs”
But that it would be SVT, and thereby the taxpayers, who finance “Help, we have bought a French ruffian” is not true.
“SVT documentarily follows the projects Kalle and Brita choose to do. SVT is not responsible for any costs for purchase and renovation,” writes project manager Martin Vårdstedt to News24.
SVT is not responsible for any costs related to renovation or purchases in the program. Photo: Christine Olsson/TT
Are there any costs that SVT has borne?
“SVT has covered the costs that television production entails.”
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