Martin Roberts has confirmed that Homes Under the Hammer has been commissioned for a new series of 80 programmes, calling the news "incredible".
Long-running show continues
The property expert has presented the BBC renovation programme since it first aired in 2003. The show, which draws approximately one million viewers each episode, is understood to be the BBC's most successful programme within its mid-morning scheduling slot.
Speaking to Wales Online, the former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! star said: "I've never actually stopped filming in 23 years. I'm not filming every day, but I'll maybe film two days one week, one day another, three days another and it just sort of goes on really. I think we've got over 2,500 programmes now so it's incredible."
Martin's humble approach
Martin shared that Homes Under the Hammer contributors are often surprised when he arrives at filming in his "battered builders van" rather than a lavish vehicle. He explained: "I rock up in my battered VW Transporter van, which is what I use for all my building work because I actually do this stuff as well. I think people expect it to be a black limo and a catering truck, hair and makeup and my own personal masseur so when we rock up and it's a relatively small crew and I just turn up in my battered builder's van, it's kind of a moment of, 'oh, okay'."
Other projects
Away from Homes Under the Hammer, Martin is renovating the derelict Hendrewen Hotel and Pub in Blaencwm at the top of the Rhondda Fawr valley. He "accidentally" bought the empty building after it closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and has been working with a team of builders and the support of the local community to transform it.
Fans will be able to watch the behind-the-scenes work in a 10-part documentary series called Oops! I Bought A Pub, which will reportedly be shown on ITV whenever the pub finally opens. As well as a new bar and restaurant, there will be eight bedrooms named after hit TV shows including Doctor Who, Top Gear and Homes Under the Hammer.
Martin has a team of teens aged 15 to 17 working with his tradesmen, learning skills to be plasterers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. When the Hendrewen Hotel finally opens, it will reportedly employ around 30 locals.
