It seems everyone has had their say about Channel 5's Jewel of the South!

Some have put pen to paper and written to the County Press about the programme, which features people who live and work on the Isle of Wight.

Here are the latest letters on the subject in the CP mailbag:

Brian Bradbury, Shanklin:

Each week now I have watched, each week I have been more and more disappointed.

It is like watching some cheap travelogue, delivered in a rather bland fashion and featuring carnivals and street events: forced jollity.

Most seaside towns throughout the country have such events. Other rural communities have thatched roofs, artisan producers. None of which is unique to the Isle of Wight.

The programmes are not reflective of everyday life on this Island.

There is little of historical interest; even less about the impact of our geography on Island life.

There are advantages and disadvantages in being surrounded by sea. We enjoy moderate climate, beautiful beaches and wonderful views.

But there are also limited work, educational and health opportunities resulting from a relatively small Island population.

For those needing to travel to the mainland to meet needs, there is the uncertainty surrounding travel connections.

Yet, at the same time, these very difficulties also produce a sense of community, of belonging to a place that is different, special.

Islanders frequently talk warmly of the quieter, slower pace of life, of the gentle courtesy shown towards each other. There is a sense of mutual care and togetherness.

People become known, recognised and valued for what they do and who they are - ordinary folk, not ‘colourful characters’.

Just people living a life alongside others, equally contented and proud to be an Islander.

Unimpressed by flags and bunting and posh hotels for “important” people from the mainland.

The programme felt to me rather patronising and frankly, in parts, embarrassing.

Bob Barton, Chandlers Ford:

Having watched yet more of the Channel 5 programmes on the Island I have moved from a position of bewilderment to one of concern and trepidation.

It does not paint a picture of a lovely place to visit with its numerous events, fine scenery and deep history, but one which would appeal primarily to second home owners: this is a truly damning indictment.

(For reference watch Simon Reeve's devastating picture of how Cornwall is dying economically with locals priced out of housing).

Yarmouth is already a classic example of what can happen, with its uncomfortably high proportion of second homes: this is not a pattern locals, and year-round local businesses, would wish to see repeated across the Island.

The programme clearly lacks balance but its obsession with promoting aspects which would appeal to second home owners is deeply worrying.

Jill Keith, Cowes:

I totally agree with Bob Barton (CP 31-03-23) about the lack of sparkle in Jewel of the South.

I really thought it would be about the scenery and history of the Island, plus the massive sailing activities (Andrew Cassell and Ellen MacArthur just to mention two great achievers).

Instead we faced packed peak season beaches and the promotion of businesses - including a fishmonger family who cruelly display LIVE lobsters!

Mr Titchmarsh I thought you liked it here…………

A. Smithers, Wellow:

I was looking forward to the Channel 5 programme entitled Jewel of the South.

However, the title turns out to be a complete misnomer.  Maybe it should have been called Island People. 

It shows nothing of the beauty of the Island, nor its landscape and heritage.

Instead, it appears to be a brief synopsis of people running businesses on the Island and, as someone previously wrote, what seems to be an ongoing advertisement for The George in Yarmouth (featured in the last three weeks, but hopefully not the sixth and final week) showing its staff, its boat, and seemingly yet another cookery programme - long sessions of the chef conjuring up expensive dishes for its clientele. 

These aspects of course have interest and all have their place but why not also show the beautiful old town of Yarmouth, said to be the smallest town in UK, its history, harbour and quaint alleys?

A great pity the programme was not more about 'The Jewel’ that the Island truly is. 

Its traditions, beautiful beaches, downland, wildlife, dinosaurs, flora and more. 

I hope Alan Titchmarsh has no regrets with being associated with this programme that promised so much in its title but delivers nothing to portray the Island’s wonderful features.