BBC Expose Questionable Estate Agency Practices

BBC undercover agent

A wake-up call for anyone selling their home – Congratulations to the BBC for their recent Panorama investigation, which lifts the lid on how some corporate estate agencies appear to operate—putting profits before people.

The undercover report revealed troubling practices, including a recorded conversation in which an estate agency manager admits to prioritising buyers who use the agency’s in-house mortgage broker. Why? Because it earns them additional fees. In doing so, they compromise the interests of the very clients they’re meant to represent: the sellers.

Why This Matters

When you appoint an estate agent, you expect them to act in your best interest—not use your sale as a tool to cross-sell other services for their own gain. Sadly, the Panorama programme highlights that this isn’t always the case.
You can watch the full episode here:

🎥 Panorama: Undercover Estate Agent

Clients Should Experience A Different Approach

At McCarthy Holden, this type of behaviour would never be tolerated. As a proudly independent, family-run business, our priority is always our clients. We focus on agreeing sales with buyers who are ready to proceed—and negotiating the best possible price for you.

Our continued success is built on trust, transparency, and results. That’s why so many of our clients return to us time and again—and recommend us to others.

Corporate vs. independent: what’s the real difference?

Larger corporate estate agencies, by necessity, may often prioritise shareholder returns and balance sheets. And, as the BBC investigation shows, that financial pressure can sometimes take precedence over client needs.

As an independent agency, we answer only to you—our clients—and our reputation in the local community is everything. We don’t just want to sell your home; we want to do it the right way.

Thinking of selling?

At McCarthy Holden we do not have any ‘in house’ mortgage brokers or conveyancers and we concentrate on delivering traditional estate agency services focused on selling or letting a client’s property. Get in touch with our team and experience the difference an independent, customer-focused agency can make.

Buy To Let – Squeeze Or Opportunity For Landlords?

McCarthy Holden property let image

Let’s start with the bad news, then dig a little deeper to uncover what’s really happening beyond the usual headlines

Following a wave of Government policy changes and rising costs, the buy‑to‑let segment is feeling the pinch. In addition Stamp duty on second homes has jumped and upcoming EPC C energy efficiency standards (effective by 2030, possibly earlier in 2028), will create extra costs for a Landlord in some cases.

Yet, the market is far from collapsing. Since April 2025, UK rents have continued to climb, albeit at a slower pace—up roughly 7 % year-on-year UK wide.

Some small-scale or accidental landlords are exiting the sector, squeezed by cost, regulation, and compliance pressures—yet returns remain buoyant in yield-rich regions, supported by persistent tenant demand and potential lower borrowing costs.

The Shift

In many cases however, these changes are prompting landlords—especially higher-rate taxpayers—to shift into company status. That shift is backed up with some interesting facts at Companies House.

Over 400,000 companies registered solely to hold BTL properties as of February 2025

In 2024 alone, about 61,500 new limited company BTL businesses were founded — a 23% rise from 2023

No doubt landlords shifting to a company status are influenced by Limited companies offering full deduction of mortgage interest, paying corporation tax on profits, and enjoying more flexible expense claims.

It is estimated that there is about 680,000 buy-to-let properties held in a limited company structure across England and Wales, with the number rising every year. Not all of them are new rental properties – many are being moved from personal names into a limited company owned by the same landlord

In summary, the growth in BTL companies is real and substantial. Driven by tax changes, shifting investor behaviour, strong mortgage volumes, and regional yield opportunities, the UK’s BTL sector has undergone rapid corporatisation. While momentum may ease if costs rise (e.g. stamp duty hikes), current indicators suggest the trend will continue for professional landlords.

For insights into the residential rental market and advice from professional property consultant contact our lettings department by phoning 01252 622550.

A Landlord Focused Agency

At McCarthy Holden our landlords are regarded as one in a million, perhaps unlike in the very large corporate agents where a Landlord could easily become just one in a million.

Because our Landlords are looked after by real people who live and work locally, people who you can speak to on the phone and people who are taking the responsibility of looking after your property, our Landlords experience the difference and benefits.

Our professional team are always available by phone or email and guess what, there are no online bots or automated telephone systems to get in the way of good communication.

So if you are a Landlord who wants one to one reliable service, telephone 01252 622550 for a free property valuation and advice about renting property.

McCarthy Holden Fleet
CONTACT OUR LETTINGS HQ - 01252 622552

Five minutes with… Interior Design Masters’ Alan Carr

INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR

Alan Carr’s signature sense of humour has made him something of a national treasure. Outside of the comedy circuit, he’s been getting stuck into all things interior design in shows like Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job and Spanish Job, which he presented alongside Amanda Holden, and Interior Design Masters, which is soon to return for its sixth series on BBC One.

By Rachael Davis, PA Assistant Lifestyle Editor

INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR
Alan Carr, Michelle Ogundehin.

Once again Carr, 48, is welcoming 10 interior designers on the ultimate crash course, tasking them with transforming a range of spaces for discerning clients across the country, with their design creations being judged by guru Michelle Ogundehin and a bunch of celebrity guest judges.

Ahead of the show’s return, let’s find out more from the hilarious host.

ALAN, THIS IS THE SIXTH SERIES OF INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS – WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

I think the way they push the envelope, just keeps me excited in it. Because it is the sixth series now, and I think they need to excite me, they need to excite the designers, and I think they need to excite the audience. So that’s why I keep coming back. It’s a laugh, and it’s a giggle, you know?

INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR
Photo from Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr 56. Pictured: (l-r) John, Emma, Ese, Briony, Bradley, Rita, Ayisha, Craig, Victoria, Holly.

YOU CAN TELL YOU’RE HAVING FUN! TELL ME ABOUT SOME OF THE PROJECTS IN THIS SERIES.

We’re doing youth hostels, and then we also do a dog’s transition room at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. We do comedy clubs up in Edinburgh. We do quirky cottages up in Portmeirion for the final, which is so surreal, so fabulous, so fantastic.

(Battersea Dogs & Cats Home) was heart-wrenching for me, because, you know, you’re trying to be on your game, and then you’ve got these dogs!

But this was really interesting though, because it wasn’t just a kennel. What they designed was (for) the dog that was transitioning from being in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to having its new home, so they had to create a room that looked simulated like a normal room to bring them gently into: ‘You’re going to have your forever home now’. So you can imagine how emotional that was…

You’ve got a charity, a fantastic charity like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, they’ve got what they want, but what does the dog want? And how do you stop a dog that’s nervous or angry, calming it down, ready for its new home? I mean, that is such a curveball, isn’t it, for any designer.

SOME BIG PROJECTS, THEN… HAS THE STANDARD GONE UP?

The standard has gone up, which makes it hard for me, because I do like the weird and wonderful ones, just from a comedian’s angle, where we like to go in there and someone’s gone, what the hell’s gone on here? But you find as you get people who love to do it so much, and who have clearly watched the show and want to win, the standard does go up, and you can’t really take the mick so much because they’re bloody good. Damn!

DO YOU HAVE TO BITE YOUR TONGUE SOMETIMES IF YOU SEE SOMETHING YOU FIND FUNNY OR UGLY?

Yes, I do have to bite my tongue! I do have to bite my tongue, and they don’t warn me, I go in there and what you see is what you get. I mean, you know my poker face is not the best.

I think the reason I got the job was (because) they said: ‘Alan, you are the people at home’… I’ve got no filter. It’s got me into so much trouble before. But like I said, I go in there and, you know, if they’ve painted it the colour of baby poo, then it’s baby poo! If it looks like the inside of a nappy, what can I say?

But, yeah, I try not to be too cruel… But, I mean, sometimes I can’t help myself. You know, there’s so many WTF moments and you’re going ‘really?’ But I think that’s the joy of the show.

You get people who inspire you, you go: ‘Wow, I’m going to do that in my house’, to people like: ‘Oh my God, do not come anywhere near my house!’

INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR
Photo from Interior Design Masters With Alan Carr 56. Pictured: (l-r) Ese, Victoria, Rita, Bradley, Emma, Briony, Holly, John, Ayisha, Craig.

DO THE ELIMINATIONS GET EASIER AS TIME HAS GONE ON?

Every series I say: ‘Can we just have a trap door put in?’ It’s just quicker, swifter, you know, one pull and they’re gone, and you don’t have any awkward goodbyes. Or gunging?

I just hate confrontation anyway, and it’s the worst bit when someone has to go home. And I do sit there sometimes like a child in a divorce proceedings. I just sit there with my hands between my knees looking awkward. I just hate people going home.

And of course, the longer you’re there, you know them. You know them so well, because we spend all day, whether it’s in Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, we’re there. So, yeah, I mean, it never gets any easier, even though it is six series in. I mean, my toes are so curled up, I can’t bear it!

AS YOU SAY, THIS SHOW HAS YOU TRAVELLING ALL AROUND THE UK, MEETING ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE – WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THAT?

Yes, you do get to spend (time in) some lovely places, like Rye, I’d never been to before, and because it was streets, everyone in Rye came out to see the transformation, and they did something with the front of the shop. You’ll see it on the show, as the camera pans round, I think the whole of Rye was there and just gave a massive round of applause because they approved of what they’d done. So that was a real emotional moment for me, Michelle and the people, you know, you can’t get a better endorsement than that!

And then Edinburgh, went to comedy clubs, and they were actually doing up some comedy clubs that I had performed in when I was back in the Fringe, back in 2003 and 2004, so that was really, really emotional for me.

And then in the final I spent three days in Portmeirion, which is just so surreal and fabulous and everything, right on the outskirts there in Wales.

See, I’m so lucky. I get to spend time in these lovely places.

Obviously the industrial estate in Bristol with the containers – you know, it wasn’t Vegas, but you saw a different side of Bristol!

Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr returns to BBC One on Thursday, April 10 at 8pm

Recruiting Experienced Personnel

recruiting experienced personnel

McCarthy Holden is recruiting for experienced personnel across residential sales and residential lettings specialities, offering high level rewards in high performing branches.

Right now we are recruiting for experienced estate agents personnel across residential sales and residential lettings specialities, so if you are a manager, assistant manager or negotiator, then take a look at our immediate needs and consider sending your CV to us as soon as possible.

Experienced Sales & Lettings Personnel Wanted

Right now we are recruiting for experienced estate agents personnel across residential sales and residential lettings specialities, so if you are a manager, assistant manager or negotiator, then take a look at our immediate needs and consider sending your CV to us as soon as possible.

Job opportunities include positions such as manager / assistant manager level and negotiators, in offices currently based around Fleet, Hartley Wintney and Odiham in Hampshire.

We are offering high level rewards in high performing branches and we want people with sales and communication skills underpinned with attributes such as work ethic and a desire to succeed. Salary will be commensurate with experience and is comprised of basic salary plus commission.

As an independent, family run company, we have built our reputation based on honesty, integrity and a deep understanding of the local property market. As such, we are looking for additional team members who share our commitment to these values.

A summary of skill based and personality attributes for either residential sale s or residential lettings is as follows.

• Previous experience in residential sales or lettings estate agency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A customer-first attitude with a strong focus on delivering high-quality service.
• A genuine interest in property and the local area.
• A full UK driving license.
• A self-motivated, proactive approach to work.

What To Do Next

If you would like to be considered for joining the McCarthy Holden team then please forward a cover letter with your application and CV as applications without this covering letter will not be considered.

Send your application to Jill Wood using her email jwood@mccarthyholden.co.uk

PHOTO JILL WOOD

We’re Recruiting

Recruitment at McCarthy Holden

Right now we are recruiting for personnel across residential sales and residential lettings specialities, so if you already work in estate agency or, if your are in a service based career and looking for a change, then take a look at our immediate needs and consider sending your CV to us as soon as possible.

Some of the jobs available include the following potential opportunities.

Residential Sales

Our thriving residential sales business need more people who can excel at house sales and customer service.

Job opportunities include an exciting position for a Property Consultant / Sales Negotiator / Estate Agent to join their team, with offices currently based in Fleet, Hartley Wintney and Odiham. Possible candidates include people who may be an existing estate agent or people who are looking for a career change. We want people with sales and communication skills underpinned with attributes such as work ethic and a desire to succeed. Salary will be commensurate with experience and is comprised of basic salary plus commission.

photo of sold board
We Need More People To Achieve More Of This

Residential Lettings

We are considering expanding our busy residential lettings business and in preparation for this we want to talk to people who already work in the residential lettings sector. From trainees to managers we want to hear from you, especially those who are or soon to be ARLA qualified.

If you are thinking of a career move, then think about joining out lettings team.

McCarthy Holden People

As an independent, family run company, we have built our reputation based on honesty, integrity and a deep understanding of the local property market. As such, we are looking for additional team members who share our commitment to these values.

A summary of skill based and personality attributes for either residential sale s or residential lettings is as follows.

• Previous experience in estate agency is desirable, but definitely not essential.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A customer-first attitude with a strong focus on delivering high-quality service.
• A genuine interest in property and the local area.
• A full UK driving license and access to a car / your own vehicle.
• A self-motivated, proactive approach to work.

What To Do Next

If you would like to be considered for joining the McCarthy Holden team then please forward a cover letter with your application and CV as applications without this covering letter will not be considered.

Send your application to Jill Wood using her email jwood@mccarthyholden.co.uk

PHOTO JILL WOOD
Contact Jill Wood by email - jwood@mccarthyholden.co.uk

How to get your garden spring-ready

Gardening McCarthy Holden

The weather may still be cold and cloudy, but buds are already starting to appear so it’s time to get your garden ready for spring before the growth spurt begins.

You could make time for a quick tidy-up, washing furniture and ornaments, turning your compost heap and cleaning patio pots.

“It’s a great time to tidy, clean and repair, whether it be tools, pots, furniture or even plant labels,” says Emma O’Neill, head gardener of horticultural charity Garden Organic.

Follow these tips on jobs to do in the garden to give you a head start on spring.

(By: Hannah Stephenson, PA)

Prune fruit

“Prune apple and pear trees. Don’t cut too much off, as you don’t want to put the tree under stress and you don’t want them to produce a load of top growth. Ideally you’re looking for an open goblet shape, with a hand span between each branch. The easiest way to think about it is that the pruning allows a bird to be able to fly through the branches.

“We always start on the laterals on the outside, taking them back to one to two buds. Go for the rule of dead, diseased, damaged and anything that’s crossing. Go back, look at your shape, see what you think, and do it with care,” O’Neill advises.

Beginners should look at a pruning guide to ensure they don’t cut too much off, she adds.

Only prune currants and gooseberries once they are over two years old, she advises.

“Blackcurrants fruit on new growth, while red and whitecurrants fruit on old growth. Again, you’re just taking them back.”

Gardening McCarthy Holden

Use green manure

If you’ve grown green manure such as red clover or winter tares, make sure you dig that in to the bed three to four weeks before use. Green manure is any kind of crop which covers and protects the soil, improving soil structure and nutrition.

“If you are going to direct-sow (crops) in March, make sure you’ve dug in your green manure in February,” O’Neill suggests.

If you’ve used rye grass as a green manure, it can inhibit seed germination so wait a month after digging it in before you start sowing, she adds.

Gardening McCarthy Holden
Photo: Green Manure Crop

Mulch your soil

“It’s always a good idea to regularly mulch your soil to protect it,” O’Neill advises. “If you have your own compost, use that, or alternatively you can get green compost from local authorities.”

Clear your pond

If your pond has been netted over winter, remove the netting and clear any debris including leaves, and cut back pond plants which have died off.

Plant tender perennials in pots for summer blooms

February is an ideal time to get a head start and plant tender perennials like dahlias and begonias in pots, says Hannah Rowson, garden centre manager at bulbs and perennials specialist J. Parker’s.

“By starting these indoors, you can encourage new growth while waiting for warmer weather to transplant them outdoors in spring,” explains Rowson.

She advises: “Make sure to place your tender perennials somewhere safe from frost and with a bit of natural light, such as in a warm, light greenhouse, to promote the growth of new shoots.”

Gardening McCarthy Holden

Divide snowdrops

“It is best to divide snowdrops now to help them naturalise over time, leading to more flowers the following year,” Rowson advises.

“You can use a shovel or trowel to lift the flowers out of the ground with their roots, then split through the roots to create two clusters. Plant these halves in your chosen location and watch as they form new colonies in new patches of your garden, creating a beautiful perennial display for years to come.”

Gardening McCarthy Holden

Cut back group 2 and 3 clematis

Group 2 clematis flower on old wood in late spring or early summer and again in late summer. They include large flowered types including ‘Nelly Moser’ and ‘The President’. Cut them back in late winter or early spring to a pair of strong healthy buds, leaving around 1m on the plant (or around 30cm if it is a newly planted clematis).

Group 3 clematis including ‘Perle d’Azur’ and ‘Jackmanii’ bloom from summer to autumn and should be cut back in February or March to a pair of strong, healthy buds around 30cm (12in) above soil level.

Tidy deciduous plants

After leaving stems on herbaceous perennials such as veronicastrum, echinaceas and rudbeckias to provide habitat for overwintering insects and seeds for birds, you can now cut them down, as new shoots may already be appearing at the base, O’Neill advises. Climbing roses can also be pruned in February.

Finish planting bare-root trees and shrubs

It’s the last chance to plant bare-root trees, roses and shrubs which you’ve bought in their dormant state, unless the ground is frozen, O’Neill advises.

.

Carry out repairs

Tidy your shed, repair your tools and make good any structures such as trellis and fencing, which may have come loose or been damaged in the winter, O’Neill suggests. Climbers such as clematis and honeysuckle will particularly benefit from this, so you can tie them in as they grow in the spring.

Gardening McCarthy Holden

Stake your plants

“Get all your staking done now if you know what plants are going to need support, particularly in the ornamental garden. We have a plant called baptisia which goes absolutely crazy and it’s much better to stake it now that to try to do it in the growing season.”

Clean the greenhouse

Wash the glass and hose down any crevices because lots of pests may be sheltering there, where it’s warmer. Pick a sunny day, so if you are housing plants you can put them out for a couple of hours while you clean, and dispose of dead plants, which you can put on the compost heap, O’Neill advises. Wash down staging and clean dirty pots.

Tend to containers

Dispose of dead container plants, but if you have permanent specimens which were planted in fresh compost last year, take off the top layer of compost and top dress them with a new layer, O’Neill suggests. If you liquid feed through the growing season, your plants should be fine. Make sure your pots are still on pot feet so the moisture can seep through easily.

Cut back herbaceous perennials in pots, but leave evergreen pruning until spring, she adds.

Gardening McCarthy Holden

Looking for a Home With A Fine Garden?

Check out this four bedroom detached family home, crafted by the esteemed Pool and Son builders, set within the prestigious Blue Triangle area of Fleet and with a generous plot measuring in excess of 0.5 of an acre

Gardening Feature Property
Blue Triangle area of Fleet - Grounds estimated just over half an acre

Landlords Love…..

We think Landlords will love our lettings services, because in addition to great property marketing and competitive fess we also have a great team of experienced personnel looking after their rental properties.

A Landlord Focused Agency

At McCarthy Holden our landlords are regarded as one in a million, perhaps unlike in the very large corporate agents where a Landlord could easily become just one in a million.

Because our Landlords are looked after by real people who live and work locally, people who you can speak to on the phone and people who are taking the responsibility of looking after your property, our Landlords experience the difference and benefits.

Our professional team are always available by phone or email and guess what, there are no online bots or automated telephone systems to get in the way of good communication.

So if you are a Landlord who wants one to one reliable service, telephone 01252 622550 for a free property valuation and advice about renting property.

Latest Property Magazine & Market Insights

Magazine Icon McCarthy Holden

We are please to create our latest edition of In The Country & Town, providing an opportunity to provide our readers with market insights and also showcase some great properties to buy or to rent for those starting their 2024 property search this month.

In January and early February 2024 the house market has moved quickly with positive buyer activity turning into a healthy amount of new property sales, confirming in our view that house buyers believe that the best in house buying opportunities will be during the first six months of 2024.

For market insight and our advice to buyers and sellers, just click on the image below.

There are many fine properties to see within the pages of our magazine and you will see the wonderful interiors of some of the finest properties on the Berkshire / Hampshire borders, including a preview of the property shown below which is not yet on the open market. If you click on the image you will see more details and a video tour embedded in the magazine.

And here is another magazine preview exclusive, Situated within the sought after village of Herriard.

This exquisite three bedroom detached family home built in 2020 by Forays Homes, is located within an exclusive development of just three detached properties.

Benefits to this property include a detached double garage with ample driveway parking, air source heat pump, dressing room, underfloor heating, and wonderful countryside views.

Click on them image below for more details. 

Why not indulge in looking at our 90 pages magazine and see the wonderful interiors of some of the finest properties on the Berkshire / Hampshire borders.

We also hope you will enjoy reading some of the editorial features, including recipes from new chef Big Zuu, Caroline Quentin on her gardening experience, Paloma Faith: Becoming a mum, why going plant-based could transform your health, Michael Sheen on why he hopes The Way ‘gives voice’ to Port Talbot, TV & Film on One Love star Kingsley, how to renovate your kitchen sustainably, and motoring. 

Click image below for a full read.

Ella Mills’ creamy black bean and harissa stew

Ella Mills Deliciously Ella McCarthy Holden news item

“The best thing about batch cooking is that the flavours of the dish tend to get better the longer they marinate, so the leftovers are always a real treat, and this is certainly the case in this recipe,” says Ella Mills, the brains behind Deliciously Ella.

“It’s hearty and cosy, with lovely spices from the harissa, sweetness from the coconut and maple syrup, and a delicious nutty flavour from the almonds. The aubergine gives it great texture, while the beans ensure it really fills you up. It’s great on its own for a light supper, or for something a bit more substantial serve it with jasmine rice, jacket potatoes or crispy roast cauliflower.”

Creamy black bean, harissa and almond butter stew

Ingredients:

(Serves 4)

1tbsp olive oil

2 shallots, halved and finely sliced

1 aubergine, finely diced into 1cm cubes

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 × 400g tin of black beans, drained and rinsed

3tbsp harissa, plus extra to serve

1 × 400ml tin of coconut milk

400ml hot vegetable stock

2 heaped tbsp smooth almond butter

2tsp maple syrup

Grated zest and juice of 2 juicy limes

Sea salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Put the olive oil into a large frying pan over a medium heat, add the shallot and aubergine and a pinch of salt and fry for five minutes, until soft. Add the garlic, black beans and harissa and fry for two minutes, until fragrant.

2. Pour in the coconut milk, stock, almond butter and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, then put the lid on the pan and turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

3. Stir in the lime zest and juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Swirl an extra tablespoon of harissa through the stew to serve (if you’d like a little extra spice).

Note: To make crispy roast cauliflower, simply chop your cauliflower into small florets, place them on a baking tray with a tablespoon or so of olive oil and a sprinkling of salt and roast in an oven preheated to 200ºC fan for about 20–25 minutes, until golden and crispy.

My girls love this recipe too, so when I’m cooking it for the family I hold off on the harissa and stir it into the adult portions once I’ve served the little ones.

Ella Mills Deliciously Ella McCarthy Holden news item
Ella Mills’ creamy black bean and harissa stew

Deliciously Ella: Healthy Made Simple by Ella Mills is published by Yellow Kite, priced £22. Photography by Clare Winfield. Available now.

Ella Mills Deliciously Ella McCarthy Holden news item

Ella Mills’ crispy potato and paprika tray bake recipe

Ella Mills Deliciously Ella McCarthy Holden news item

“Crispy, crunchy, hearty and super-simple, this tray bake is the ideal recipe when you want something satisfying without lots of prep, mess or brain space!” says Ella Mills, the brains behind Deliciously Ella.

“The zesty harissa yoghurt is really versatile too; it makes for a great dip or dressing with any veg.”

Crispy potato and paprika tray bake

Ingredients:

(Serves 2)

3 floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper (about 350g), with their skin

½tbsp olive oil

2 red onions, halved and finely sliced

2tsp paprika

1 punnet of cherry tomatoes (about 200g)

1 × 400g tin of butter beans, drained

½ bunch of coriander (about 10–15g), roughly chopped

Sea salt

For the harissa yoghurt:

4tbsp coconut yoghurt

2tbsp harissa

Grated zest and juice of 2 limes, plus wedges to serve

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C fan and bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil.

2. Cut the potatoes into one-centimetre cubes then add them to the boiling water. Meanwhile, put the olive oil into a large flat baking tray and place in the oven to heat up. Simmer the potatoes for five minutes, until softened slightly and a knife pierces them easily, then drain well and add them to the preheated tray along with the onion, paprika and a pinch of sea salt. Toss to combine, then bake for 20 minutes, tossing occasionally so that the potatoes cook evenly.

3. Add the cherry tomatoes and butter beans to the tray and cook for a further five minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the potatoes are crisp.

4. Meanwhile make the harissa yoghurt by mixing the coconut yoghurt, harissa, lime zest and juice together in a small bowl, seasoning with salt to taste, then transfer to a small serving bowl.

5. Once the potatoes are ready, remove from the oven, sprinkle over the coriander and serve with the harissa yoghurt on the side.

Ella Mills Deliciously Ella McCarthy Holden news item
Ella Mills’ crispy potato and paprika tray bake

Deliciously Ella: Healthy Made Simple by Ella Mills is published by Yellow Kite, priced £22. Photography by Clare Winfield. Available now.

Ella Mills Deliciously Ella McCarthy Holden news item
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