The executive producer of a television series planned to be filmed in a west Fife village has denied it will be a Big Brother-type show.
Channel 4 aims to make The Village in Aberdour, with filming set to begin in June and run for eight weeks.
Studio Lambert is behind the idea and the executive producer of the programme, Jeremy Isaacs, last night told The Courier the programme will be “community based” and he hopes the public will take the company’s views on board.
A series of meetings will be held in Aberdour Community Centre to ascertain villagers’ feelings.
An email poll conducted by Aberdour Community Council found 65% of people were against the idea, 15% were in favour of it and 20% were not sure.
In an exclusive interview with The Courier, Mr Isaacs who has won two Baftas and an Emmy, has produced Gallow’s Law, The Chair and The World’s Strongest Parents said the format of the programme would be “transformational.”
“This will not be a Big Brother-type programme,” he said.
“Once people understand the nature of the programme, we hope they will see that it is not a reality programme and it will be one of integrity. Anyone can step out of the series.”
He added, “There will be minimal disruption and change to the village. My main ambition is to make this the best series I have ever done.Transformational”The programme will have real people with real views and is guaranteed to be transformational.”
Mr Isaacs said that Studio Lambert spoke to 600 villages in the UK but that Aberdour is top of its shortlist.
“I want as many people as possible to come to these meetings so they can see just how open and transparent we are,” he added.
“We are looking forward to meeting the community.
“The idea of the programme is it will be the ultimate guest of philanthropy. We want the community to bequeath a house for a couple. We wanted people in credit crunch UK to take part for one reason or another.
“The community in Aberdour have shown they have an interest in debate as they have effective means of communication by talking and using email.”
Arthur Lloyd, vice-chairman of Aberdour Community Council, said that it would be unfair to make a decision until the public had heard all the facts.
“We will be conducting an exit poll at the end of the meetings, as people come out, to show what people feel after hearing the details of the plan,” he said.