Kevin McCloud has opened up on his Grand Designs future after 27 years presenting the show following previous comments that he planned to retire when he turned 60
TV presenter Kevin McCloud has opened up on his Grand Designs future following an earlier claim about retirement.
Kevin has presented the ambitious home building show since it first aired in April 1999. He previously stated he planned to retire at 60, but the 66-year-old revealed he’ll be returning for another series of Grand Designs this autumn.
He joined Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden on their Heart Radio show to discuss his plans for the future.
Jamie said: “Can I ask you, I read an interview where you said you were going to retire at 60 and that was it.”
Kevin responded: “I was going to retire at 60.” He went on to say: “Grand Designs is back in the autumn as ever.”
The presenter, who turns 67 next week, told HELLO! magazine that he has more energy than he’s ever had before and is not planning to quit just yet.
He said: “I’m 67 in May and I’ve probably got more energy that I ever had. I’ll keep going. As long as I can squeeze under a scaffold and step over a big puddle of mud, I’ll do it.”
Kevin was speaking ahead of the return of Grand Designs Live, which runs at London’s Excel Centre from today (Friday, May 1) until Monday.
The event showcases innovative products, sustainable building materials and expert design ideas across four key zones: build, kitchens and bathrooms, interiors and gardens.
Kevin was discussing with the radio hosts why Grand Designs is still so popular after almost three decades on British television and more than 150 episodes.
Jamie said: “Grand Designs, we al absolutely love, 27 years young. It’s absolutely my favourite TV show. Why do you think Kevin we all love it so much, what is its enduring appeal?”
Kevin said: “Its people like you that watch it, bless you, you give it a shout out every now and again.
“And because it’s the last big adventure that I think we could all imagine going on, that’s why. Everyone in our hearts wants to make a home, it’s that straightforward.”
Amanda agreed, saying one of the plus points for the show is that viewers get to see the outcome of the project.
Kevin then joked: “It’s amazing. It only takes an hour to build a house. Twelve years is the longest I’ve been watching people do that.”
The TV star also opened up about his own home improvement project. He is currently renovating a 400-year-old, Grade II listed farmhouse in Herefordshire that he purchased in 2021.
Kevin admitted that he is a “doer” and likes to get his hands dirty, which has left him with some scratches and a finger injury.
He said: “I don’t talk about that much because it takes forever, I mean if only I could listen to my own advice. The trick to not being on budget is not to have one in the first place.”
Jamie then asked: “I thought you were more of a draftsman that a trader?” Kevin replied: “No, I’m a doer. I’m a bodger.”
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