New Forest Project Parent

Project Parent lets you take charge of your single parent's life. Hello?

-Hello, is that Project Parent?

-Yes, it is.

Our mum is scared to go shopping.

She wears black and purple,

and she hasn't been out with anyone in two years. We need help.

-Really, we do.

-I'm on my way.

Today's project managers are Ben and Lauren.

We can't wait to get control of our mum's life.

They're on a mission to change Mum's image...

I think that makes her look a little bit more girly.

I'm shaking, finding it really hard.

..find a nice man to take her on a glam night out...

I don't think Mum would like people with facial hair.

..and get up to mischief in the surveillance van.

How fast are your reactions?

That wasn't very nice!

You want me to do what? It's a bit scary that they have control!

-That one! BOTH:

-Mummy, we're ready!

Welcome to Project Parent,

the place to be if you want to be the boss of your mum or dad.

I'm ready and waiting, to help you kick-start your single parent's life

by sprucing up their image and boosting their social life.

Today's case study is from Hampshire,

and boy, does she need help.

Today's project is 38-year-old mum Rebecca.

She's stuck in a rut.

She looks like she's about 45, and she's not.

She's not even 40 yet.

Even with Ben's broken foot,

these karate kids are ready to whip Mum into shape.

Together we can do a better job than my mum,

and we can make her look really, really good.

But it's not only her image that needs work.

My mum only goes out about 12 times a year.

I'm embarrassed that I don't have a social life.

I almost feel sorry for myself. That's quite sad!

If we could create the perfect man for our mum, he'd have...

George Clooney's hair, David Beckham's nose and Brad Pitt's mouth.

-BOTH: Perfecto!

-I'd like them to pick somebody who

makes me laugh and I have fun with,

and I think hopefully that's what they're looking for.

Some absolute no-nos are boring, bossy, and definitely no bald.

What's wrong with bald?

-People who are in prison have bald heads.

-What?!

She needs a bit of help with her social life.

She needs a lot of help with her wardrobe. It's black and purple,

-purple and black and black and purple.

-Purple!

-It's basically a wall of darkness.

-Wall of darkness!

Her colours don't reflect her personality,

because she is very happy and very bubbly.

It makes her look like one in a crowd of boring people.

-She's not boring.

-At all!

There's no doubt about it, this is a mum in need of Project Parent,

so I've brought along our hot-shot stylist Darren Kennedy.

His trendy take on fashion will transform even

the darkest of wardrobes from depressing to refreshing.

Hi!

Hello! We've got here as quickly as we can, haven't we?

We have. Lauren and Ben,

I want to get stuck into that wardrobe straight away.

Be nice!

Wow, it's completely black and purple!

-A purple hoodie.

-Black.

-Purple.

-A purple top.

What is the obsession with purple?!

Everything in here is purple!

You've done something amazing recently,

lost a lot of weight. Tell us about that.

I have lost just over six stone, and it was really hard.

I didn't eat chocolate for over six months.

The kids'd go in the other room

to eat their chocolate so I didn't have to watch.

-They were supporting you?

-They were,

and as I lost more weight, they kept telling me how great I looked.

Your mum has done an amazing thing - she has lost a lot of weight.

She's lost a me!

She's lost you?! Wow!

-Has she updated or changed her wardrobe to reflect that?

-No.

She still acts in the way that she dresses

like she's six and a half stone heavier.

It makes her look bigger than she is.

-You're good.

-Somewhere in there are some gigantic trousers.

-Show me.

-These were tight on her!

-We can both fit into one leg each!

That's brilliant!

They're, like, custom made for a race!

When was the last time you had a fun night?

Two and a half years ago, with somebody who's not a girlfriend.

What's your ideal man?

My ideal man would probably be Hugh Grant.

-Well, hello!

-He's lovely, and he's a real gentleman.

Your eyes are lighting up, talking about him!

I like it when he's dressed up in a suit with his tie undone.

I can't promise you Hugh Grant, but I'm going to see what I can do!

What is it that you would like to change about Mum's wardrobe?

We want Mum to wear colourful tops,

girly skirts and dresses, high heels and more make-up,

especially lipstick.

-Not flower print, though.

-OK.

-Why?

-It makes people look old.

Are you ready to let your children take control?

-Yes.

-Are you sure?!

-I think so! It's scary, but I think I'm ready.

We've got a big challenge ahead,

to get your mum some colour,

something with shape, something that shows off her girly side.

It's going to be quite hard, but I think we can do it.

Are you up to being project managers?

-Yeah!

-That's what I like to hear! High five! Off, let's do it.

Angellica, that is the darkest wardrobe I have ever seen!

Ben and Lauren are right, she needs to brighten up a bit.

Mum is now telling me that she wants Hugh Grant!

Tough work! This parent is a tough project.

I have to find her a completely new look.

And I have to find her a guy.

We've got to get cracking. Let's do it.

I think I trust Angellica to get some good men,

and it's going to be a really good treat for my mum.

If Ben and Lauren are serious about transforming Mum's life,

they've got work to do,

and it all starts in here,

in our high-tech, multi-screen, dual-satellite surveillance van.

This is where the hunt for a match for Mum begins.

Not only is this a hub of technology, it is also

the perfect place to interrogate adults,

as they have to sit in the hot seat.

Sounds painful!

I can't wait to get my hands on the van!

It's going to be really fun, interrogating people,

asking them questions, because they won't know who we are.

-Quite funny.

-We can ask whatever questions we like.

We've lined up three guys to be grilled by Ben and Lauren.

First up, sporty Darren.

Mum loves the great outdoors,

so this skydiver might just fit the bill.

Next is funny Dale.

Like Mum, he's got a great sense of humour.

And, adventurous Anthony.

Mum likes try new things, and this guy has been to 57 countries!

But if these guys don't come up to scratch,

we've got a back-up plan - Mum's best mate, Caroline.

-Are we ready to buzz in our first person?

-Yeah.

-We've got Darren.

-Hello.

-Hello there.

Describe your personality in three words.

Witty, charming, organised.

Can you sing?

# It's a little bit funny

# This feeling inside

# I'm not one of those who can easily hide... #

That was quite good!

Can you do the Macarena?

No, I can't. It's something I don't know. Is it like this?

I don't know.

I attempt to do it, but I can't do it.

-How fast are your reactions?

-Erm...

-Think fast!

-Oh!

That wasn't very nice!

Say a joke, your best joke.

Why are pirates called pirates?

-I don't know.

-Because they arrrr!

HOOTER HONKS

-Thank you.

-What did you think of him?

BOTH: Quite nice.

It was tough, but good fun. They're a nice pair of kids

with a good sense of humour, I can tell you that!

Next up is Dale.

-Hello.

-Hello.

Can you sing?

# I'm caught in a trap

# And I can't walk out

# Because I love you too much, baby

# We can't go on together with suspicious minds... #

That's enough!

That hurt!

How would you describe your reactions?

Think fast!

-Like that, you mean?

-Well done!

How do you compare to Hugh Grant?

I'd say we're like brothers.

Tell us a joke.

How to you invite an ant to a party?

I don't know, how do you invite an ant to a party?

Here he is here. Would you like to come to my party? He said no.

HOOTER HONKS

-Your time is up.

-Thank you, bye bye.

What do you think?

-Good.

-Quite nice, yeah.

I really hope they pick me to meet their mum.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what she looks like,

especially being grilled by the children!

Shall we see what we think of Anthony?

-BOTH:

-OK.

Hi, Ben, hi, Lauren.

Describe your personality in three words.

Happy-go-lucky.

Can you do the Macarena?

If there was music, it goes like this, doesn't it?

He knows the Macarena!

And then you turn around... Oh!

And then you do it all again. You jump and do the...

-Like this, isn't it?

-Good.

-Is that how it goes?

-Can you juggle?

-No!

I never learned that at school.

How fast our your reactions?

Pretty slow.

-See, I told you they were slow!

-How do you compare to Hugh Grant?

I'm not as good-looking as him. I wouldn't mind looking like he does.

Don't put yourself down!

Can you tell us your best joke?

-What's the name of two Spanish firemen?

-I don't know.

-Jose and Hose B. Ta-da!

-Very good!

-See you!

-Goodbye.

-Bye.

-Goodbye.

-Bye.

-Bye.

-Bye.

-Bye.

-Bye.

-Bye.

-What do you think?

-I liked all of them.

It'll be a really hard decision.

I love the whole concept of the kids being involved.

You never know what they're going to ask, so it's all random.

You were both brilliant with your questions. How did you find it?

Easy, definitely fun!

So you have to choose two candidates

from the three that will go forward and have an activity with your mum.

Let's just talk about the pros and cons of each one.

-Darren.

-Really nice.

He wasn't trying too hard.

But he wasn't trying hard enough.

He was too laid back.

-Then we moved on to Dale.

-He was trying too hard to be funny, I think.

-If you're trying too hard, you're not funny.

-Then we had Anthony.

I liked him, laid-back, but I know Lauren doesn't like beards.

This has changed my opinion.

-Ta-da!

-Have you two made a decision? Tell me your thoughts.

I think Anthony and Darren.

I think Anthony and Darren, and Dale is out.

Sorry, Dale, bye bye.

Devastated, can't believe I didn't get through.

I think it might have been the ant joke that let me down!

Oh, dear. Bad luck, old chap.

As Mum loves sailing, we've lined up a luxury yacht for her night out,

but who will Ben and Lauren choose to join her?

Darren, Anthony or best mate Caroline?

Before Mum can step aboard, she needs a brand-new image.

Rebecca's wardrobe is so dark I'm surprised bats didn't fly out,

so we've come on an emergency shopping trip.

After a lifetime of wearing black, purple and baggy clothes,

Ben, Lauren and I have our work cut out

if we're going to inject some colour and change her style.

Unlike most mums in the country,

Rebecca would rather be anywhere else than shopping.

In fact, she hates it, but today, Ben and Lauren are in charge.

Ben and Lauren, you're coming with me,

and we'll pick out some clothes for Mum.

Mum, I want you to pick out some clothes you think

you would like to wear on a fun night out.

Today is all about us forcing her to do something for herself.

-Darren is tough, but it's not, because it's for her.

-Tough love!

Yuk! Very bright!

I like this pink dress behind it.

-Black is good.

-I'm just not really sure about the colour.

I think we might be able to get away with that.

High five!

Everything is just funny colours.

Unfortunately, Mum Rebecca still hasn't found anything she likes.

I hate shopping, because I am too nervous about going into shops.

I hate trying things on, I never know what to take in.

That's horrible. The things I pick up and take in don't suit me,

because I haven't really got a clue.

I'm actually shaking, I'm finding it really hard. It's rubbish.

Luckily, she's in safe hands.

Ben, Lauren and Darren have found outfits

for Mum to try on.

-Time to hit the dressing room.

-This one first.

-And then this one.

OK, thank you.

How are you feeling?

A bit nervous to see how she looks!

Ben and Lauren have rarely seen their mum in anything

other than black or purple.

-BOTH:

-Are you ready?

Wow!

What do you think?

Seriously, that is amazing.

I'm amazed it makes me look slimmer, even though it's a dress.

Ooh!

I always thought horizontal stripes made you look bigger.

It's all about where you put them.

If you were wearing a horizontal stripe all over and it was tiny,

they can make you look bigger.

Wow.

-I actually love that.

-I think that makes her look a bit more girly.

That was one of our aims.

Not this one?

Next!

-Not sure.

-Finally, 20 dresses, skirts, heels and tops later,

Ben and Lauren have

narrowed it down to three, but you have to wait until the big day

to find out which one they have chosen.

We got there in the end. Are you happy?

-BOTH:

-Yes.

-High five!

I really like the outfit that we've come away with.

I'm really pleased that we've got some new colours.

It's really, really nice, and I'm excited to have Mummy wearing it.

Lauren and Ben's mum Rebecca has not had a night out

on the town for two years.

They're trying to find someone lovely

to take her out on a glam night out.

They've whittled it down to two,

Darren and Anthony.

I know Rebecca loves sports, so I've invited them both down

to come and meet her at a climbing wall.

Meanwhile, Lauren and Ben will be watching

their every move from the surveillance van,

and Lauren and Ben might be throwing in some sneaky surprises

to see just how good our two guys are.

Rebecca is wearing an earpiece, so Ben and Lauren can give her

secret instructions at any time.

We can see your mum. Do you think she's nervous?

She's nervous. She is biting her lip, she's nervous.

I don't think she's nervous about the rock climbing.

She's nervous about meeting the men.

Hiya.

-Nice to meet you.

-I'm Rebecca.

-Do you like Becky?

-Rebecca's good.

-I don't know your name.

-Darren. You should go first.

No, we should go together!

-But it's not a race!

-No?!

-Oh, he's quite competitive!

-My mum is quite competitive

in normal games, but I'm not sure about this!

-I think you should try and beat me.

-No, no!

-You've got to be competitive!

-We'll see!

-Off we go, then.

-OK.

Is speedy and competitive enough to impress Ben and Lauren?

You're going fast, aren't you?!

Only trying to keep up with you!

You've beaten me!

-That's a nice smile you have from up here!

-Thank you!

-Oh, he's complimenting her!

-That's good!

Ben and Lauren know that their mum likes men to have good manners

like her ideal man, Hugh Grant.

Oh, terribly kind!

So, it's time to put Darren to the test.

When he comes down, I need you to fake a little coughing fit.

You want me to do what?

Fake a coughing fit and see whether he is going to help you.

-OK.

-Will Darren be a gentleman and get

our spluttering damsel in distress a glass of water?

-SHE COUGHS That was good fun.

-Excuse me.

He didn't do anything!

Cough again, maybe.

SHE COUGHS AGAIN

A drink of water. I'd like a drink of water.

That'll be a no!

He didn't do anything.

Thank you, it was good to meet you.

-That was good fun.

-That was great fun.

-Take care, bye.

Mummy, did he react when you did the coughing fit?

He looked a bit concerned but he didn't get me a drink of water.

I hope they pick me, I really do.

It would be really nice to go out and spend time with Rebecca,

because I think she's a lot of fun.

-OK, shall we find out what match number two is about?

-BOTH: OK.

Let's see Anthony again.

-Hi, I'm Rebecca. Nice to meet you, Tony.

-And you.

It's quite high.

I'm not one for heights, are you?

-Not great once I get halfway up.

-Ladies first, isn't it?!

No, together! Nice try!

-Are you all right?

-Yeah.

It's not as scary as it looks.

I don't know about that!

It's just finding the places to put your feet.

I think he's nervous.

He did say that he wasn't one for heights.

The climb may be over,

but what Anthony doesn't know is the real test starts now.

Shall we test him the same way?

Coughing fits?

-SHE COUGHS

-Excuse me.

'Surely he'll notice!'

-It makes you cough, it's hard work.

-I need a towel!

-Yeah, definitely!

Any minute now!

Continue coughing.

-SHE COUGHS AGAIN

-Oh, dear.

-Have you done this before?

-No. Excuse me, I'm having a cough.

-One last chance?

Nah. It's official - there are no gentleman in the building!

Jolly poor show, lads!

I would like to go out with Rebecca and spend some time with her

to get to know her a bit better.

We've got a big decision to make, haven't we?

We have Anthony and Darren here,

and remember, we also have your mum's best friend, Caroline.

I'm very nervous about Ben and Lauren making the decision

while I'm stood here - I really want them to

make the right decision. There's no pressure on them,

but it's scary they still have control over what's going to happen!

OK, who's going to be?

Darren's pros... One of them was he made my mum laugh quite a lot.

He was quite speedy up the wall.

Anthony, what about him?

He didn't get up the wall quite as fast.

He made mum quite relaxed.

That one?

-Yeah.

-BOTH: That one.

Finally, the big day has arrived, and it's time for Lauren and Ben to

pull everything together and truly transform their mum's life.

Rebecca is about to get the pampering of her dreams -

hair, nails, make-up, the works.

Later on, we will reveal who Lauren and Ben have decided who is

going to be the lucky one to take their mum out on a special night.

So, let the pampering commence.

-So, guys, what you want them to do with Mum's hair?

-Floaty.

-Floaty.

-Girly.

-Girly's good.

-A lighter colour, but not too light.

And a bit less boring.

That's so harsh!

I want you to take a good look at yourself in the mirror, because

it's the last time you will see yourself until the big reveal.

I think it's going to be a big improvement,

and I'm looking forward to seeing how she looks after.

It feels great, I'm enjoying it, but it's scary - I don't know

what's going on my hair, but I'm excited to see what it looks like.

It's not only Mum that needs to get ready.

Darren, Anthony and best mate Caroline are still in the mix

to join Rebecca on a luxury yacht.

Who's going to be?

We have chosen you to take our Mum out.

Be ready and dress smart. Yes!

Meanwhile, back from the hairdresser's,

we've brought Mum to a luxury pampering suite

for the finishing touches. With the clock ticking, Ben and Lauren are

working hard, overseeing every detail.

Hello? Yes, we'd like some chicken tikka, please.

-And bangers and mash!

-And some bangers and mash.

Stop messing about!

Friends and family are arriving to see Mum's new look.

Until Ben and Lauren took control,

Rebecca wore baggy, dark clothes, no make-up,

and was terrified by shopping.

Now, she's a whole new mum.

-Are you going to call your mum in?

-Everybody ready?

-ALL: Yes!

BOTH: Mummy, we're ready!

What a reaction!

Incredible!

Lauren and Ben, what you think about how Mum looks?

Amazing. Completely different.

I think it's time that, Rebecca, you actually see how you look,

because you haven't seen, have you?

OK, get into position, guys.

Are you ready? How are you feeling?

Quite scared!

Mum hasn't seen a mirror all day.

It's now her turn to see the transformation.

ALL: Three, two, one!

Hey! I have knees!

You have! How are you feeling?

I'm feeling great. I look really like a girl!

Which is great!

And I have legs and heels!

When is the last time you felt like this?

When I was about 12, probably.

I actually look like a girl, which I never usually do.

Anything you'd like to say to Lauren and Ben?

Yes, thank you very much, thank you so much.

She looks better than she did before.

She barely ever wears high heels,

so it's a big difference, and I have never seen her wear yellow.

She looks very pretty, and I have never seen her as bright as that.

It's very bright, but she looks really nice.

I normally hate being the centre of attention,

and it was just amazing to be

the person that everybody was looking at and to feel fantastic.

My face hurts because I can't stop smiling!

I can't even remember when I last smiled for this long!

I feel amazing, I feel full of confidence.

I feel like I could walk into any room and fit in.

-I've never even seen inside a limo!

-Haven't you?

-No!

It's so cool! I do feel like a proper princess!

There's one last surprise from Ben and Lauren.

It's time for Mum to meet her match.

Hiya!

-After you.

-Thank you.

You made a good choice?

See you!

So, guys, how are you feeling? The overall makeover, are you happy?

-Definitely.

-Is it what you envisaged she would be?

No, definitely not!

Especially the yellow. We didn't think she would ever get into yellow.

What do you think has been the most important thing

that has come out of this?

She's got confidence,

and she knows she doesn't always have to wear black and purple.

Have you enjoyed being project managers

and being in control of this?

It's been amazing, lots of fun.

-I'm going to remember this when I'm older.

-Especially the van.

-After you.

-You are kidding me?!

Ben and Lauren chose well. Anthony is easy to talk to,

and he's a great guy to spend the evening with.

He scrubs up well - he looks really good.

I don't think yellow matches me!

'Rebecca and I are getting on fantastic.

'She is a nice girl, the conversation is flowing pretty easy,

'and I'm looking forward now to the boat cruise and the dinner.'

This experience has been amazingly life-changing.

I have loved every minute of it.

I am so grateful. I can't believe they've done this for me.

I really, really honoured to be their mum.

I'm going to cry! I feel honoured to be their mum,

very lucky that they're my children.

Well, that's another Project Parent completed and delivered on time.

Rebecca looked absolutely gorgeous.

She's off enjoying her first proper outing in a long time,

so it's a job well done.

-MOBILE RINGS

-Sorry!

Hello? Yes.

Your parents have had the same hairstyle for 15 years?!

We're on our way. Another parent, another project.

Where's the van?! Come on!

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