A 'SERIAL entrepreneur' from Ilkley is starting a new business after starring in a reality TV show.

Gavin Patterson had been involved in everything from property development to nightclub management before taking part in Second Chance Summer: Tuscany.

The show, currently showing on BBC2 at 9pm each Wednesday, follows ten individuals to see if they can fulfil their dreams of making a new life in the Italian countryside.

Set in Tuscany, it challenges the group - comprising five single men and women - to run a farm with a vineyard and olive grove set in the foothills of Mount Amiata.

All of the participants had reached some kind of pivotal moment before applying for the show, which in 56 year old Gavin's case involved the loss of his mother.

He said: "I found himself at a bit of a crossroads in life after the passing of my mother, who I cared for for many years whilst juggling various businesses.

"I guess I found myself in a comfortable rut which can be worse than an uncomfortable rut - as there is less incentive to get out of it.

"I had been out socialising with friends one evening and on my return home I noticed an advertisement on Facebook with regard to applications for the show - I'm pretty sure that had I been sober we wouldn't be talking today!"

The BBC describes the programme, which was filmed last year, as a 'try before you buy' experience for those seeking a fresh start.

It adds: "Over the seven week experience they'll begin to realise their personal ambitions, from making wine to welcoming guests to a B&B - but will the dream of a new life in the sun be what they'd hoped for?"

For Gavin the answer turned out to be a resounding 'yes' - especially after meeting a fellow cast-member, former Scotland Yard detective Andy Desmond, who he has gone on to form an olive oil business with.

He said: "I have to say the whole experience was wonderful and I have zero regrets about my participation.

"Yes there were difficult times and situations living with nine strangers, as you can imagine, but in general it was a positive experience that few people get the opportunity to try. "

Excited about his and Andy's new venture, the Valeria Olive Oil Company, he added: "We have leased large olive oil groves and we are exporting premium olive oil from Tuscany worldwide."

The website for the business, valeriaoliveoil.com , has just gone live.