Changing Rooms is back: When does the DIY makeover show start on Channel 4 and who are the presenter and designers?

Changing Rooms was one of the most popular and memorable primetime TV shows of the 1990s.

Presented by Carol Smillie, it turned DIY expert ‘Handy’ Andy Kane and interior designers Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Linda Barker into celebrities as the nation went home makeover mad.

Although it’s best remembered for some of the DIY disasters and makeover nightmares which left couples on the show in tears, at its peak the show often pulled in over 10 million viewers.

Now, after a 17-year break from our screens, Changing Rooms is making a comeback. It’s moved from the BBC to Channel 4 and will have a new look and a new presenter, but will retain some familiar faces from the original series.

Here’s everything you need to know about Changing Rooms on Channel 4…

Who is the new Changing Rooms presenter?

Anna Richardson, the presenter of Channel 4 shows including Supersize vs Superskinny, Secret Eaters and Naked Attraction, will host Changing Rooms on Channel 4.

“What an honour to be joining the Changing Rooms team, one of my favourite shows from when I first started in TV,” said Richardson. 

“This series is an absolute classic and I can’t wait to see the designs. Let’s get that house swapping started!”

Davina McCall originally signed up to present the series, but had to pull out after lockdown delayed the production. The change in schedule meant McCall didn’t have the time to film the makeover show while also working on The Masked Singer, The Masked Dancer and Long Lost Family.

How does Changing Rooms work?

Changing Rooms sees two sets of homeowners from the same neighbourhood work against the clock to renovate a room in each other’s houses. They might not share the same tastes, but they are completely in charge of creating a new look for the chosen room – and anything goes.

The homeowners will be making all the decisions about the makeovers, and as a nation of interiors and style obsessives, expectations are higher than ever. 

In true Changing Rooms style, the transformations will be spectacular, innovative and, quite possibly, unexpected.

Along the way, our bold and creative homeowners will be supported by two handy teams of DIY experts and decorators, captained by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and a second interior designer who has an opposing style to that of the original Changing Rooms star.

The show will be packed full of design and DIY hints and tips, teaching us how to be crafty on a budget by upscaling and adding sparkle to unloved or outdated corners of our homes.

Who are the Changing Rooms decorators and DIY experts?

Joining returning Changing Rooms favourite Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen are designers Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead of 2LG Studio. 

Whitehead and Cluroe, below, said: “The childhood versions of ourselves are mind-blown to be part of the new Changing Rooms and, as designers, we are beyond excited to take on this challenge. 

“Our design style is about empowerment, kindness and pride - making homes that lift your spirits and facilitate your best life. Creativity is powerful so we love that Changing Rooms is back because, in many ways, it was the beginning of our own creative journeys. How incredible that we get to be a part of the next step.” 

Replacing ‘Handy’ Andy will be carpenter and joiner Tibby Singh, who has 15 years in the trade and is a winner of BBC's Young Carpenter of the Year.

"I'm humbled to be a part of Changing Rooms which is such an iconic TV show!” said Singh. 

“I'm privileged to be working alongside Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and 2LG to create some amazing makeovers and bring their designs to life. Touch wood everything goes to plan!”

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, below, added: “There’s no room for beige in our homes and, just as it was in the 90s, Changing Rooms is once more the homestyle antidote to Britain’s blues (and greys and taupes, and even magnolia). 

“It’s taken quite a lot of coaxing to get me under the Changing Rooms banner once more, but nothing like as much coaxing as it’s going to take for me to squeeze those leather trousers back on.”

Do you remember these classic Changing Rooms disasters?

The show is best remembered by viewers for the DIY and makeover disasters. On one occasion, Llewelyn-Bowen caused a homeowner to become visibly upset as they described his final design as being like a “tart’s boudoir”.

In another episode, designer Anna Ryder Richardson left French underwear around the room, infuriating the homeowner.

Most notoriously of all was the episode in which Linda Barker and Handy Andy built a shelf unit that collapsed overnight, destroying the homeowner’s valuable teapot collection.

When does Changing Rooms start on Channel 4?

Changing Rooms begins on Channel 4 at 8pm on Wednesday August 18.