Lee Hamlin and Emma Payne were snapped up by television producers when they were spotted in the Derbyshire Times campaigning to Bolsover District Council for a fence to keep their youngsters safe.

But the couple's first taste of television stardom did not come without its problems.

Jobless Mr Hamlin (36) said: "There was no privacy. The minute you got out of bed they started filming and they didn't stop until you went to sleep."

The pair, who live in a council property, on Stanhope Street, were filmed with couple Darren and Sam Zendel-Ellis, of Warwickshire.

Ms Payne (33) moved to Warwickshire and cared for Mr and Mrs Zendel-Ellis' three children but missed her family while Mrs Zendel-Ellis moved to Bramley Vale to support Lee with their ten youngsters.

Mr Hamlin said: "Sam was overwhelmed living with ten kids and I found it difficult being around someone who didn't do a deal for the family because she seems to be a career woman."

He told how crews filmed rows over housework, claimed Mrs Zendel-Ellis could not cook sausages or work a washing machine and also locked her out of the house after one argument.

Mr Hamlin added: "There were some embarrassing moments. The programme shows Sam slagging me off without showing the full story and they filmed me pushing a camera man but didn't show the crew pushing me first.

"But this experience made me appreciate everything Emma does and made me realise the strength of our relationship."

The couple, in their mid 30s, and their children Mitchell, Mason, Jordan, Shannon, Callum, Dillon, Ellie, Fallon, Alfie and Charley will appear on the show in September.

jon.cooper@derbyshiretimes.co.uk