91Èȱ¬

As with any form of programme making, we research our contributors carefully and only consider applications from those serious about emigrating and genuinely looking for help and guidance with making that decision.

The researchers and producers of the series take many aspects into consideration during the selection process including geographical spread across the UK, property budgets and why people are considering emigrating. Overall, we’re looking for lively and enthusiastic people who are able to be themselves on camera and are willing to share some of their lives with us during what can often be sensitive and significant moments.

The casting process typically takes around three months. This includes reviewing application forms and telephoning potential contributors. A shortlist is then drawn up and some footage is filmed with those contributors. This footage is then reviewed, and a final decision made on who will appear in the next series.

We consider all applications from UK residents, regardless of nationality. As long as you are resident in the UK at the time of application and the time of filming you are eligible to apply for the series.

We receive thousands of applications every year from people hoping to take part in the series. Because of the numbers involved, unfortunately we’re unable to enter into individual correspondence.

If you’ve submitted an application form, you should receive an e-mail back confirming that your application has been received. If you don’t receive any other communication from us, then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Absolutely – circumstances can change so if you haven’t been successful previously, you’re more than welcome to re-apply.

Unfortunately we’re unable to provide assistance with gaining a visa. You may wish to have a look at the links on the programmes’ home page which provide further information for people considering emigrating down under.

A series of Wanted Down Under takes a year to make from start to finish. Filming with one family or couple takes around two days in the UK, and then a period of a week in either Australia or New Zealand.

We provide travel and accommodation for our families in order to allow them to take part in the programme. Time spent in Australia or New Zealand is not a holiday for our contributors though, as they are required to undertake all filming required which is often a tiring process.

We have an established network of fixers in Australia and New Zealand who work on the programme to put everything in place from work placements to property viewings. The fixers in turn have their own established network of contacts; therefore we’re not currently looking for any further assistance.

When deciding which areas will feature in each series, we aim to visit destinations which are a popular choice with our applicants. Applicants interested in emigrating to New Zealand most commonly indicate an interest in Auckland and/or Wellington. A final decision then comes down to the logistics of our crew making the programmes and the weight of preference initially indicated by the families taking part as to which city/cities we feature.

In general, programmes are available on 91Èȱ¬ iPlayer for a limited period after the original broadcast. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate DVD requests from those who have missed an episode but you may wish to look out for repeated episodes which often run throughout the year.

Keep an eye out for – every year we catch up with ten families or couples who have previously appeared on the programme and reveal what happened next.

We’re constantly on the lookout for new programme ideas, but this is not an idea we’re actively pursuing at present.