Latest news with #GrandDesigns
The Herald Scotland
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Grand Designs rejects Yorkshire home now worth £3 million
The property extends over 12,000 sq ft and is based around three individual structures - the main family home, guest house and extensive garage. These three structures surround a central courtyard, and all are nestled within the existing walls of the reservoir, Majik House explains. Within the property, there is everything from a gym, virtual golf simulator and cinema room to six bedrooms and a spacious kitchen. Most expensive UK cities to buy a house in All this, sitting on 12 acres of land. Reservoir House rejected by Grand Designs The unique nature of the build, within an old reservoir, and the glamorous design caught the attention of the Grand Designs team. Reservoir House was identified as the "perfect project" for the Channel 4 show hosted by Kevin McCloud, according to the Yorkshire Post, but it was eventually rejected because it wasn't going to "provide enough drama". Channel 4's Grand Designs, which celebrated 25 years on TV in 2024, is hosted by Kevin McCloud (pictured). (Image: Channel 4) Former owner, Jonathan, speaking in The Express, explained: 'We thought it would go ahead and had even briefed about booking in 'Kevin days' but then got an email saying Channel 4 didn't want to go with the project because they thought it would run too smoothly and wouldn't provide enough drama. 'It was definitely a compliment, in a way. 'The build went very smoothly, we went over budget, but there was a conscious decision to spend more on the heat recovery and ventilation units and the kitchen. "There were no sleepless nights.' Talking about the reservoir project, Jonathan continued: "I spent a number of years restoring a 16th-century farmhouse in Haworth and I liked living there, but I wanted another project and I wanted something different, a bigger challenge. 'I've always moved up a level each time I renovated, and this is definitely the pinnacle.' Kevin McCloud reveals Grand Designs criteria We spoke to Kevin McCloud last year, amid the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Grand Designs, and asked whether properties/projects had to meet a certain criteria to be on the Channel 4 show. The Grand Designs host said yes, explaining: "I think there has to be something about it which is strong and perhaps not quite run of the mill, and, we like it when people push. "And I don't mean at the budget, I mean, you know inventively, imaginatively with ideas." RECOMMENDED READING: McCloud continued: "So there has to be something. The word grand in the title, refers to the imagination. "It doesn't refer to the size of the budget, or even the size of the building, actually." The Grand Designs added that he liked it when architects design and build their own homes on Grand Designs, because they are "terrified" if they get something wrong, "you can't repeat anything". McCloud said: "I always like it if we can film an architect or two in every series doing their own thing, because you just get it, you get the real deal, it's really close to the knuckle."
Edinburgh Live
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Celebrity contestant on The Chase says there was one thing he really wasn't expecting
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Judge Jules revealed that his experience on The Chase Celebrity special was slightly less daunting due to his familiarisation with the Elstree Studios. The renowned DJ appeared alongside other notable personalities, including Lesley Joseph, Jenni Falconer, and Patrick Kielty, on the ITV special. The team faced off against Shaun 'The Dark Destroyer' Wallace in intense rounds, ultimately leading to all four celebrities participating in the final chase. During this round, they successfully outsmarted Wallace, securing a total of £200,000 to be divided among their chosen charities. However, while some might crack under the pressure of the ITV quiz show, 58 year old lawyer and DJ Judge Jules confessed he didn't feel overly anxious. "I'm not nervous in my normal activities, before I go on the decks or anything else related to the music business," he told the Mirror. READ MORE - The 'rejected' Channel 4 Grand Designs home as producers warn 'we need more drama' READ MORE - Kate 'fulfilled long held promise' to Princess Charlotte with sweet move The London-born star continued: "It was a little bit nervy because it's such an unfamiliar environment. The strange thing was, it's filmed in Elstree Studios where EastEnders is filmed, or it was when I did it anyway. My dad (Shaun O'Riordan) worked there his entire working life, so I'd been to those studios multiple times - my dad was a TV director so I think maybe that eased off the pressure a little bit." (Image: ITV) (Image: ITV) (Image: Supplied) Judge Jules' prior visits to the studios, where his father worked as a TV director, may have contributed to his relatively calm demeanour during the show. Jules, all set to command the decks across the UK and Balearics this summer, divulged: "It's fast moving, you meet three others who you've never met before, all of you are there for a common purpose, it's quite comedial backstage but at the same time, it's more the alien environment", reports the Express. He recounted how he adjusted to unfamiliar territory: "When you're experienced in one area and suddenly you're thrust into this alien environment, it makes it more nervous. We earned a chunk of money for charity, which was great. It was £200,00, so it was quite a lot." Catch The Chase every weekday on ITV, kicking off at 5pm.
Edinburgh Live
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
The 'rejected' Channel 4 Grand Designs home as producers warn 'we need more drama'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info For 25 years, Kevin McCloud has been synonymous with Channel 4's popular renovation series, Grand Designs, which follows individuals as they endeavour to construct their ideal homes, capturing every stage from design to completion. However, it seems that not all projects are deemed suitable for the show, particularly if they appear to be progressing too effortlessly. A Yorkshire homeowner has come forward, alleging that Channel 4 axed a planned visit after deciding against featuring their property on the programme. According to the Yorkshire Post, the production company behind Grand Designs had initially identified the Hawksworth Moor Reservoir construction project in Yorkshire as an ideal candidate. READ MORE - Noel Gallagher confirms 'true reason for Oasis reunion' ahead of Edinburgh gigs READ MORE - Blue Peter star Katy Hill's life now as she enjoys new career away from the spotlight Despite its stunning location and bold architecture, Channel 4 ultimately opted against filming the project, reportedly because "there wasn't enough drama". Jonathan, the former owner of Hawksworth Moor Reservoir, expressed his disappointment with Channel 4's decision to the publication. He disclosed: "We thought it would go ahead and had even briefed about booking in 'Kevin days' but then got an email saying Channel 4 didn't want to go with the project because they thought it would run too smoothly and wouldn't provide enough drama.", reports the Mirror. (Image: Channel 4) (Image: Channel 4) (Image: Channel 4) "It was definitely a compliment, in a way," he reflected, and continued with enthusiasm, "I spent a number of years restoring a 16th-century farmhouse in Haworth and I liked living there, but I wanted another project and I wanted something different, a bigger challenge. "I've always moved up a level each time I renovated, and this is definitely the pinnacle." He then described his latest ambitious project: an expansive country mansion spreading over 12 acres and boasting four en-suite bedrooms, a home theatre, a games room with comfortable seating and an open-plan kitchen featuring a boardroom-style dining table that seats 14. Additional luxuries include a separate annex encompassing three more bedrooms, an exclusive gym, a sophisticated office, a contemporary shower room, and even a garage equipped with a kitchen. Jonathan acknowledged, "The build went very smoothly, we went over budget, but there was a conscious decision to spend more on the heat recovery and ventilation units and the kitchen. There were no sleepless nights." Channel 4 has been approached by The Mirror for commentary. Last month saw the appearance of a Grand Designs property on the market, priced at £1.5 million after two decades of renovations, earning it the admiration of fans as the "perfect" home.
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Grand Designs reject house now worth £3m after cancelling Kevin McCloud visit
Channel 4's Grand Designs rejected a country mansion worth £3 million after they refused to send host Kevin McCloud to visit the property as it was going 'too well' For a quarter of a century, Kevin McCloud has been the face of Channel 4's much-loved renovation series, Grand Designs. The programme showcases the trials and triumphs of individuals as they strive to build their dream homes, documenting every step from design to completion. However, it appears that not all projects make the cut for the show, particularly if they're going too smoothly. The owner of a Yorkshire property has spoken out, claiming that Channel 4 cancelled the show's visit after deciding against featuring the home. According to the Yorkshire Post, the production company behind Grand Designs had identified the construction of Hawksworth's Moor Reservoir in Yorkshire as an ideal project. Despite its breathtaking location and daring architecture, Channel 4 decided against filming the project because "there wasn't enough drama". The former owner of Hawksworth Moor Reservoir, Jonathan, shared his disappointment about Channel 4's decision with the publication, reports the Express. He revealed: "We thought it would go ahead and had even briefed about booking in 'Kevin days' but then got an email saying Channel 4 didn't want to go with the project because they thought it would run too smoothly and wouldn't provide enough drama. "It was definitely a compliment, in a way," he shared, adding, "I spent a number of years restoring a 16th-century farmhouse in Haworth and I liked living there, but I wanted another project and I wanted something different, a bigger challenge. "I've always moved up a level each time I renovated, and this is definitely the pinnacle." Describing the grand estate, the country mansion sprawls across 12 acres and features four en-suite bedrooms, a home cinema, a games room complete with comfy seating and an expansive open-plan kitchen that proudly houses a boardroom-style dining table that seats 14. Further amenities include a separate annex with three more bedrooms, a private gym, a well-appointed office, a modern shower room, and even a kitchen within the garage. Jonathan conceded: "The build went very smoothly, we went over budget, but there was a conscious decision to spend more on the heat recovery and ventilation units and the kitchen. There were no sleepless nights." The Mirror has reached out to Channel 4 for comment. Last month, a Grand Designs property that took two decades to renovate went on the market for £1.5 million, with fans calling it the "perfect" home.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
BBC film about charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's horror Iranian prison ordeal will star Bafta-nominated actor
THE prison ordeal endured by Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and her family will be featured in a BBC documentary and drama. The British-Iranian charity worker was accused of spying and jailed in Iran in 2016, before being released three years ago. 8 A drama chronicling what happened to Nazanin is being made by the Beeb. Joseph Fiennes plays her husband Richard, who campaigned for her release so she could be reunited with him and their daughter. The four-parter is based on forthcoming book A Yard Of Sky, written by the couple, and Nazanin will be played by Narges Rashidi. In the documentary, which will be screened alongside the drama, the couple talk in detail about what happened and how they are rebuilding their lives. The BBC has yet to confirm when they will be shown. 8 Bella stars in dark comedy THE Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey will lead a Channel 4 drama called Maya, alongside Daisy Haggard. It follows a mum and daughter forced into a witness protection programme who relocate to a rural town in Scotland. The 'darkly comedic' six-parter starts filming later this year. A Grand return by Kevin GRAND Designs: House Of The Year is back as Kevin McCloud takes us on a tour of more of architectural gems. He will be joined by experts Damion Burrows and Natasha Huq to scour the Royal Institute of British Architect's shortlist of projects. 8 The final episode of the four-part series will then unveil the winner of the RIBA House of the Year 2025. Kevin said: 'This series celebrates a sparkling range of what's possible in domestic architecture today. It's a great privilege to be able to help uncover these gems of creative imagination – and of course it's a complete joy to be back presenting House of the Year alongside Natasha and Damion.' The series will hit our screens on Channel 4 later this year. Bear Necessities A FIFTH series of chef comedy drama The Bear starring Jeremy Allen White has been confirmed, hot on the heels of the fourth landing on Disney+ this week. John Landgraf, the boss of FX who make the show created by Christopher Storer, described it as a 'magnificent story'. Phyllis clues up with Kev PHYLLIS LOGAN got to spend more time with her husband than she bargained for – after he was cast as her love interest. She stars as Cora – aka the Puzzle Lady – in whodunnit detective series Murder Most Puzzling on Channel 5 opposite hubby of 14 years 8 The role is opposite Kevin McNally, her husband of 14 years. They had already appeared together as man and wife in BBC One historical drama Miss Austen last year, then got to do it all over again months later. Phyllis, who will be in the third and final Downton Abbey movie playing housekeeper Mrs Carson this September, said: 'I had no idea that he was being offered the part and was surprised and delighted, since I'd been away from home for ages. 'It was lovely to have him visit and to bookend the year by working together again.' The latest episode of Murder Most Puzzling is on today at 8pm. Rider's murder riddle SKY will delve into the shocking death of showjumper Katie Simpson in a new documentary. When the promising young rider died unexpectedly aged 21 in 2020, it was believed she had taken her own life. 8 Then a local journalist in Northern Ireland realised there were similarities between her death and another cold case murder, which led to Jonathan Creswell, the partner of Katie's sister, standing trial. He denied charges of rape and murder but was found dead at home shortly after the trial began in 2024. The three-parter, Death of A Showjumper, which lands on Sky and NOW on July 16, will tell the story through personal accounts from friends and family, and insight from the investigation team. Sacha a hairy scary SACHA BARON COHEN is seriously scary after finally being unveiled as evil adversary Mephisto in Disney+ Marvel miniseries Ironheart. The Ali G and Borat comic is revealed as the soul-manipulating demon in the series finale, complete with long hair and beard. 8 8 The show is based around teenage genius Riri Williams, played by Dominique Thorne, who has created her own version of the Iron Man suit made famous by Robert Downey Jr in the movies. Mephisto appears to tempt Riri to change her troubled past – and make her suit even more powerful with his magic. 8
