Interior Design Masters winner Roisin Quinn has revealed that she and fellow contestants received online hate and death threats following their appearance on the Alan Carr-hosted BBC show.
Quinn, who won season five in 2024, admitted: "I woke up in the morning, the day after the final, going, 'I wish I didn't win'." The 32-year-old, originally from the Isle of Man and now living in the Wirral, said she received a huge amount of negativity about her signature style featuring bold florals and bright colours.
Winner's regret after online abuse
Quinn's winning holiday lodge design in the final used yellow paint and vibrant wallpaper. Reflecting on the backlash, she said: "...How sad is that to say, when it was the most incredible thing to ever happen to me?"
She added: "I knew I was going to get hate. Because if you're a person who is into colour and is a maximalist, you're going to get more."
Death threats against contestants
Quinn said she was not alone in the online pile-on, telling the Sunday Independent: "Francesa [Keltz] and Ben [Irurzun] got death threats for Interior Design Masters. Death threats!"
She expressed surprise at the severity of the abuse, saying: "I know with Love Island and series like that it's common - but Interior Design Masters?"
Show's popularity and challenges
The reality competition, hosted by Alan Carr, sees aspiring designers compete in a series of tasks for a contract with a major retailer. It attracts over two million viewers weekly, with Quinn beating Matt Smith-Wood in the final after being whittled down from the original 10 competitors.
Challenges on her season included turning former nun's cells into B&Bs, revamping activity centres at Chester Zoo, transforming Wembley dressing rooms and remodelling holiday lodges at Blenheim Palace.
Ahead of the season, Carr said the mix of designers was key to the show's success: "It's getting the right mix, not just of personalities but design styles. This year does not disappoint: we have quirky designers, serious designers but the one thing they have in common is that they are designers who are just starting out."
Judge Michelle Ogundehin added: "I'm looking for people who are open to learn. People with a can-do attitude and a unique point of view. I can only bring out the best in someone who's prepared to accept that they don't know it all already."
