Kevin McCloud felt ‘huge privilege’ to revisit one of the most emotional stories in history of ‘Grand Designs’
With his hit show back for its 26th series, presenter Kevin McCloud has said it was a “huge privilege” to revisit one of the most emotional stories in the history of ‘Grand Designs’.
Kevin McCloud has said it was a “huge privilege” to revisit one of the most emotional stories in the history of ‘Grand Designs’.
Back for its 26th series, the Channel 4 presenter, 65, has reconnected with Graeme and Melanie, who first appeared on the programme in 2023 with hopes of transforming a small garage plot in Hackney into a three-bedroom, three-storey home for their blended family.
The couple met through tragic circumstances after both their teenage daughters lost a parent within weeks of each other and hoped their new home would mark a fresh start for daughters Isla and Indi.
Graeme, an architect, and Melanie, a graphic designer, began their project with a maximum budget of £450,000.
But they soon encountered financial setbacks and construction challenges that threatened to derail their dream.
By September 2023, they had already spent £550,000 and faced further financial uncertainty.
Graeme said on the new series of Kevin’s show: “It’s a question mark as to how we find the finance – we don’t have the answer.
“The worst case for us not being able to afford to fund the remedial (work) is then being forced to sell it.” He added: “In terms of borrowing (we’ve) had to ask family and friends for contributions as well but it’s so close (to being finished) now.”
Melanie spoke about the emotional significance of the project, saying: “Both girls have lost a parent so we are creating a brand new family from two families.
“It’s an ongoing process that Graeme and I are going through – and the girls.
“We try to address the past of course – you can’t just bury it and not address it, like all the different traditions in each family, we’re trying to keep them alive.”
Graeme said about their journey: “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and truly unique to witness and be part of. We are two families in one house.”
At the time, Kevin said about their undertaking: “‘No pain, no gain’ is the motto of this project and then if you’re thinking they’ve had a difficult time building it, it is nothing compared to the pain this entire household has suffered on the way getting here, through bereavement and loss. Somewhat puts the difficulties of building a house in proportion.
“And if you’re wondering whether or not this building delivers on its objectives set for it, whether or not it’s helping this family thrive and flourish, whether it can make them happier, then let me tell you – yes it can. It’s already started.”
Returning to the Moroccan-inspired home for the new 2025 series of his show, Kevin was quoted by The Sun saying: “It was always going to be terrifying for them but returning to see the completed building is always a wonderful bonus and a huge privilege. It’s the embodiment of a journey.”
He added: “There’s always a chance that they may run out of money. People are always worried about money.”
Reflecting on the continued success of ‘Grand Designs’, Kevin also said: “Longevity is a rare thing in telly. I still have a job. It’s amazing after all this time.”
