Couples fight it out in bid to bring down the house

Seán McCárthaigh

With house prices still climbing to record highs and young couples struggling to afford mortgages, RTÉ are hoping a new programme will combine people's interest in game shows and their fixation with property.

Unlike Big Brother, contestants in The House of Love will compete to win a house, rather than just stay in one.

And like previous reality TV shows such as Cabin Fever and Celebrity Farm, viewers will get to choose the ultimate winner of the prize of a new three-bedroom house in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.

Hundreds of couples are expected to take part in auditions being held around the country next week to select contestants for The House of Love.

The show, which will be hosted by Seán Moncrieff, will explore over eight weeks how well the couples really know each other through a series of games and challenges.

Eight couples will be chosen to take part in the series, which will be screened on Sunday nights later this autumn.

The competition is confined to couples aged over 18 who are engaged or in a long-term relationship and do not currently own their own home. Both partners also have to attend the auditions which will be held at the following locations:

Oct 6 Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo (4-10pm).

Oct 7 Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, Galway (4-10pm).

Oct 8 Dean Crowe Theatre and Arts Centre, Athlone, Co Westmeath (4-10pm).

Oct 9 Jury's Hotel, Cork (4-10pm).

Oct 10 Burlington Hotel, Dublin (4-10pm).

Oct 11 Burlington Hotel, Dublin (10am-6pm).