The 66-year-old presenter has been diagnosed with a painful condition, leaving him struggling to grip the tools he’s used on set for nearly three decades
Grand Designs favourite Kevin McCloud has revealed a secret health battle that could dramatically change the way he hosts Channel 4’s much-loved show.
The 66-year-old told us he has been diagnosed with arthritis in both hands, making it increasingly difficult to use the tools of his trade. “I’ve got arthritis in both wrists and the thumbs and a couple of joints, so my grip is not good,” Kevin told the Mirror. “So I have to be really careful using power tools – that’s for sure – and axes, in a way that I didn’t used to have to worry about.”
He added: “There are bits of me that are really hurting now that didn’t, and there are things I can’t do that I could do five years ago. I am getting old.” But despite the painful condition affecting his ability to use building tools, Kevin insists he’s not ready to give up the show which has made him a household name.
“I’m not going to grumble because this is just wear and tear,” he said. “Ideally, I’d like to be 97 and keel over while I’m chopping some firewood. No blood on the axe – just keel over.”
The star, who has fronted the series since it first aired in 1999, admitted he couldn’t imagine hosting it in another 25 or so years. “Can you imagine me doing it at 92?” he said.
Asked if he could only see himself at the helm, he replied: “Obviously! We never know what’s around the corner but I’m fit and I’m able and I love doing it. Long may that last.”
The beloved presenter, who designed Harrods’ famous vegetable-inspired food hall ceiling, admitted the gruelling filming schedule has come at a personal cost.
“I don’t see enough of my family, my grandchildren. I don’t see enough of my friends,” he confessed. Kevin, who has four children – Hugo and Grace from previous relationships, and Milo and Elsie with ex-wife Suzanna McCloud – revealed he hasn’t had a summer holiday for over 30 years.
“It would be in the 1990s, I think, that I last had a holiday in August, because we transmit our series at the beginning of September,” he explained. “So we are working hell for leather, like nut cases, through July and August.”
He added: “Grand Designs is all year round, almost every week. I film for three days at a time. It’s quite a commitment.” But the presenter, who was awarded an MBE in 2014 for services to sustainable design, wouldn’t have it any other way.
“If I stopped doing Grand Designs, I would miss that privilege,” he said. “I would miss those weekly experiences, learning every day, discovering technique, meeting a craftsperson, listening to somebody on whatever journey they’re on.”
Kevin married businesswoman Jenny Jones in 2022, three years after separating from Suzanna following 23 years of marriage. The show, which has produced 27 series and more than 250 episodes, shows no signs of slowing down – with Kevin committed to continuing for as long as his health allows. I try to be active because I find it spiritually and physically good,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop if I can help it.”
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