Scarlett Moffatt is to embark on an African adventure for Channel 4 – taking her family and childhood home with her.
A replica of the former Gogglebox star’s house in County Durham has been built in Namibia where Scarlett, parents Betty and Mark and sister Ava-Grace will live alongside the Himba tribe for four weeks.
The Himba agreed to host the Moffatts so they could judge first hand the consumerist Western lifestyle they have heard about but never seen, Channel 4 has explained.
As a result, the Moffatt family will not be abandoning their creature comforts, taking with them running water, electricity, hair straighteners, iPhones, frozen ready meals and the family television.
The average Himba family has about a dozen possessions, compared to the nearly 22,000 items in the Moffatts’ home.
Across four episodes, The British Tribe Next Door will see the Moffatts find common ground with the Himba tribe.
“This is one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life,” Scarlett said.
“I feel privileged and humbled that the Himba tribe invited us to join them and we have all learnt an enormous amount.”
Chief Tijone of the Himba tribe said: “I was born in our village and I’ve never travelled far so I don’t know the Western life. Of course, there are benefits and there are disadvantages.
“When the visitors come, they can explain everything to us, and we will learn from each other’s cultures.”
Head of factual entertainment at Channel 4 Alf Lawrie added: “For the first time in human history, British suburbia and Himba tribal life will coexist side-by-side.
“This series contrasts two worlds on a spectacular scale – but at its heart, is about the extraordinary relationships it creates.
“Scarlett and the Himba are the perfect foils, both hospitable, curious, friendly… and sharing wicked senses of humour.”
The British Tribe Next Door will air on Channel 4 later this year.
