Designer and TV presenter Kevin McCloud has fronted popular show Grand Designs since it began back in 1999, so it's perhaps unsurprising that the host has seen a number of hiccups over the years. Kevin, who also runs his own architectural company, recently opened up about the challenges the show has faced when participants abandon projects.
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Speaking to Stuff magazine back in August, the TV star said: "It really disappoints me when people abandon ideas. I've come to recognise key phrases, such as 'We're having to cut out costs, so are putting our renewables (sustainable design elements) on hold.
© Photo: Channel 4Kevin has presented Grand Designs since 1999
"The rest of their architecture is (invariably) quite dull really, and I always think, 'thanks for telling us, now we've committed two years to following this'."
He continued: "And there are the builds that have brilliant architecture and ideas that go swimmingly well. But six months in, someone says, 'we ditched the architect, and we're going to do it ourselves... it will be fine'. There are always compromises when they do it on their own."
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Kevin began his career in the late nineties when he first appeared on BBC Two show Homefront alongside Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Diarmuid Gavin. Kevin was frequently on the show as guest presenter, offering his top tips when it comes to home renovations and DIY.
© Photo: Channel 4The presenter helps others build their dream home
The 61-year-old then went on to present Grand Designs, which is now in its twentieth series, proving its popularity still remains to this day. Away from his TV and designing work, Kevin is a proud dad-of-four, two of whom he shares with his ex-wife Suzanna.
Kevin and Suzanna split in 2019. At the time, a spokesperson told the Daily Mail: "I can confirm that, sadly, Kevin and Suzanna separated. We won't be making any further comment." The pair have kept their separation out of the spotlight since.
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