Ben Hillman, one of the primary presenters on Channel 4's A Place in the Sun since 2016, has been giving fans a look at his life away from the cameras. From a holiday accident that landed him in hospital to a new renovation project, here is what he has shared.
Holiday Accident and Recovery
In 2022, Ben was hospitalised after a water slide accident during a family holiday in France. He posted a photograph of himself in a hospital bed on Instagram, writing: "Not the French cuisine I had in mind for the first day of our family holiday! Managed to acquire an open fracture/dislocation on the water slide."
He advised his followers: "Word to the wise, don't forget your travel insurance this summer. Have fun out there guys. Hats off to the French healthcare/emergency services." Four weeks later, he had a metal rod removed from his thumb, remarking: "It's going to take some time to get it moving again. My thumb seems to have grown."
Family Life and DIY Projects
Ben lives in Shoreham-By-Sea with his wife Gaby, an NHS worker, whom he married in 2011. The couple have two daughters, Hope Blossom and Honour Willow, and Ben often shares family photos on Instagram. His daughters regularly help with his renovation projects, and he calls them his "DIY girls".
In 2024, after transforming a bedroom, he said: "This has been a few months in the making, as and when I've had time to work on it. It's been great getting back on the tools though, especially with the DIY girls and for such a special occasion. After much designing with the DIY Girls we repainted the pink desk, built a bespoke headboard and redecorated the bedroom before adding a few choice pieces and finishing touches."
Tiny House Renovation
In October 2026, Ben completed the purchase of a micro-home at auction in Shoreham, and at the start of November he confirmed he had picked up the keys. He filmed the interior, revealing: "Got the keys to Tiny House today. Instantly regretted it. Asbestos in the ceiling, pipes crawling round the walls, a floor that breathes, a lintel that wants me dead... and a boarded-up door nobody can explain. Happy Halloween. Now watch me exorcise the lot."
Supporters sent their best wishes, with one writing: "Congratulations! Let the fun begin! Can't wait to watch your progress @benhillmantv." In a separate video, he said: "A magical moment indeed, it's completion day and we've got the keys to Tiny House," adding: "The good news is, I have just completed on Tiny House and the better news than that is I'm in the queue at Disneyland waiting for Ratatouille, awesome." Ben will keep followers updated on his restoration work at Tiny House through his Instagram profile.
