'So disrespectful!' horrified viewers of Josie Gibson's ITV show How to Clean Up for Cash brand it a 'violation of privacy' as she boxes up gran's possessions
Josie and the team sneaked into an old lady's house to clear itHow to Clean Up for Cash has sparked quite a reaction from viewers who have branded Josie Gibson’s new show “disrespectful”.
The backlash has come after the latest episode showed Josie helping to clear a grandmother’s cluttered home without her knowing.
In keeping with the programme’s format, Josie and the team secretly entered the property to clear out the lady’s belongings.
They were joined by the woman’s granddaughter and gave her advice on what items she could sell for money.
Susan, who walks with a frame, was tricked into believing she was taking part in a show called Hidden Treasure Challenge.
This saw her sent out from the house for 48 hours to trawl around antique and secondhand shops.
But when she returned, her house had been cleared.
Viewers have spoken out in support of the grandmother, insisting that it was an “invasion of privacy”.
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Josie Gibson’s How to Clean Up for Cash sparks backlash
The latest episode of How to Clean Up for Cash saw Josie travel to Glasgow to meet Caitlan. Caitlan’s grandmother Susan had spent her life visiting car boot sales and snapping up bargains.
Susan’s late husband, Caitlan’s grandfather Dennis, was also a fan of a boot sale and together they filled their home. Sadly, Dennis died three years ago.
But Caitlan thinks her gran’s house had become too “overwhelming” so secretly called in Josie and the team to empty it.
On the way there, Josie said: “[Susan] has got a house now full of all their belongings that they’ve collected over the years and it’s become quite overwhelming.
“We’ve got to help Susan let go emotionally and physically while respecting Dennis’ memory. This is going to be our toughest job yet.”
Caitlan’s childhood bedroom was filled with items including a bike, toys, books, a microwave and even a brick. Elsewhere in the house, there were piles of crockery, books, bric-a-brac, old watches and even a large thimble collection.
Josie and the team spent 48 hours sorting through Susan’s belongings – boxing up anything they believed was worth something.
One of the watches turned out to be worth £500. Other jewellery was eyed up for flogging on, along with some tea sets.
In total, they filled 21 large packing boxes, which they stacked up in Susan’s living room.
Viewers brand Josie’s show ‘disrespectful’
Susan was shocked when she returned, Caitlan began crying and even Josie appeared nervous as she explained to the pensioner what had really been going on.
Josie said: “Everything in these boxes has been valued and we can offer you money to take everything away today.”
Susan was told her belongings totalled £2,400 in value. This included her prized thimble collection, which was worth £30.
But despite the pensioner insisting she was happy to hand the boxes over for the cash, viewers have slammed the show.
One person said: “This programme is awful. Helping people who ask you to help de-clutter is one thing.
“Going in to someone’s house, going through their stuff & packing it up & then not telling them exactly what’s boxed & just saying we’ll give you £x to take it all now is awful.”
Another added: “This is a bloody awful programme, so disrespectful!”
And a third also complained: “What an absolute violation of someone’s privacy. Disgusting program, no consideration for people who might have neurodivergence (who are also often people pleasers). Horrible.”
Well, at least Susan had the option to keep her stuff. Imagine if they’d also sold it without her knowing!
