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The Estate: Life Up North is a new documentary soap series that delves into the ‘ordinary lives’ of families and business people in the North East town.

The series follows members of the Washington community on a six month journey documenting the ups and downs; dreams and challenges of some of the vibrant characters in the community.From a social club bingo caller to a hard-core fitness company trainer, TV crews have filmed the lives of six families in the town.

So when will the show air?

Mark and David Potts-Brown with adopted sons Kai and Christopher.

The opening episode of the series, by Brinkworth Productions, will broadcast on Channel 5 at 11:05pm on Tuesday, October 27.

The series will run until Tuesday, November 17.

Who will star in the new ‘docu-soap’?

Shanice Davidson, 19, is a world-class gymnastics athlete, competing for Gold in the British Gymnastics championships. She lost her mum when she was just two-years-old. Her grandfather, Billy Davidson, became her guardian but he is facing the biggest challenge of his life.

(Left to right, top to bottom) Becky Swindells, Shanice Davidson with grandparents Billy and Sheila, Les Barber, Sharon and Georga Johnstone, Mark and David Potts-Brown with adopted sons Kai and Christopher, and Jonny Hair.

Becky Swindells, a single mum, striving to make radical changes in her life.

Mark and David Potts-Brown, who have become devoted parents to two adopted boys while running a doggy daycare business, while planning their wedding.

Les Barber, legendary bingo caller down at the social club, and pillar of the community, who’s battled against the odds to be the family man he is today.

Businesswoman Sharon Johnstone trying desperately to leave her troubled past behind.

These are the families who will feature in the new series.

Jonny Hair, a 38-year-old fitness guru facing hurdles at every corner to keep his gym empire thriving.

Find out more about the families here.

What is the TV show about?

The series has been described as a ‘wholesome’ documentary soap about its generous locals ‘spread across a vast series of interconnected housing estates’.

Bosses said: "Across four episodes, we go behind closed doors to meet some of the vibrant people at the heart of this community.

"Through good times and bad, tears and triumphs, the series charts the ups and downs they all face over six months.”

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New TV series The Estate: Life Up North follows the lives of six Washington families - here's when it will air

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.