Changing Rooms Host Mediated Designer Dispute, Former Participant Reveals
A former participant on the iconic home improvement programme Changing Rooms has disclosed that presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen was required to intervene during a heated clash with one of the show's designers. Caroline Rice, who appeared on the series two decades ago, recounted the incident while speaking on behalf of the new online bingo brand Zingo Bingo, highlighting a memorable conflict over decor choices.
The Infamous Clash and Host's Intervention
Caroline Rice, now aged 66, featured on Changing Rooms alongside her husband Ian when filming occurred in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. The couple participated with their neighbour Christine and Christine's daughter, Danielle. During the episode, Caroline and the assigned designer, Emma, strongly disagreed on a specific design decision.
Caroline explained: 'The designer Emma tried to influence us with her decisions but I stood my ground. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen was the host by then, and he came in to intervene and agreed with me. So I won that battle.'
This intervention saw the renowned presenter taking Caroline's side in the disagreement, effectively resolving the tension on set.
Background and Participation in the Show
Caroline detailed how she and her husband became involved in the programme. Originally, Christine and Danielle had applied alongside another individual who subsequently withdrew. 'They asked if we wanted to take it on, and at the time, we couldn’t afford to do up a house. So we thought, why not give it a try? We just went for it. We were really excited. It seemed like a great opportunity and a lot of fun,' she shared.
The DIY home improvement series, which aired on the BBC from 1996 to 2004 with a brief Channel 4 revival from 2021 to 2022, involved couples temporarily swapping houses with friends or neighbours to redecorate a room in each other's homes.
Filming Experience and Room Outcome
Reflecting on the production process, Caroline described intense filming schedules. 'It was over two days and the days were long. We had a lot to do. It was probably longer than 12 hour days, and we had to put the work in. But it was fun! We all worked hard. Sometimes we’d have to rope extra people in to help us with things like painting the walls. That’s a big job and it needed more people,' she recalled.
Despite the challenges, Caroline expressed satisfaction with the redesigned room's final appearance, maintaining it for several years before opting to redecorate again. She offered advice to potential participants: 'Be open minded to the process and have fun. Oh and don’t expect it to last. The purpose of Changing Rooms was that the rooms were decorated for a tight budget. It was all done on the cheap so after a few years, you’ll notice that. We only ever saw it as a short term fix.'
Changing Rooms Legacy and Notable Designs
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Changing Rooms since its 1996 debut. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen initially served as a designer on the programme before ascending to presenter from series 15 onward. His influence extended beyond mediation, as evidenced by a recent property listing.
A Cheshire family home in Macclesfield, featured on the Channel 4 iteration, was listed for sale at £439,950. Laurence had transformed a bedroom with a Japanese-inspired theme he dubbed 'glamikaze,' aiming to create an illusion of a non-symmetrical space for a teenager's sleeping, working, and gaming needs. The design incorporated a diagonal wall, arch structures, bespoke wallpaper produced exclusively by Laurence, and even his hand signature on one wall.
The enduring appeal of Changing Rooms lies in its blend of creative tension, budget-conscious makeovers, and the charismatic presence of figures like Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, whose interventions could make or break a room's design—and sometimes, settle a dispute.
