Television presenter Kevin McCloud has addressed speculation about his future on Grand Designs, following earlier remarks about retirement. The 66-year-old host, who turns 67 next week, confirmed he will be back for another series of the Channel 4 show this autumn.
McCloud dismisses retirement plans
Speaking on Heart Radio with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, McCloud clarified his earlier statement about retiring at 60. When asked about the interview, he responded: "I was going to retire at 60." However, he quickly added: "Grand Designs is back in the autumn as ever."
In an interview with HELLO! magazine, McCloud revealed he feels more energetic than ever. "I'm 67 in May and I've probably got more energy than I ever had. I'll keep going. As long as I can squeeze under a scaffold and step over a big puddle of mud, I'll do it," he said.
Enduring appeal of Grand Designs
McCloud reflected on why the show remains popular after 27 years and over 150 episodes. "It's the last big adventure that I think we could all imagine going on," he explained. "Everyone in our hearts wants to make a home, it's that straightforward."
Amanda Holden noted that viewers enjoy seeing the outcome of projects. McCloud joked: "It's amazing. It only takes an hour to build a house. Twelve years is the longest I've been watching people do that."
Grand Designs Live returns
McCloud was speaking ahead of Grand Designs Live, which runs at London's Excel Centre from May 1 to 4. The event features innovative products, sustainable materials, and expert design ideas across four zones: build, kitchens and bathrooms, interiors, and gardens.
McCloud's own renovation project
The presenter also discussed his personal home improvement project: renovating a 400-year-old, Grade II listed farmhouse in Herefordshire, purchased in 2021. Admitting he is a "doer" who likes to get his hands dirty, he said: "The trick to not being on budget is not to have one in the first place." When asked if he is more a draftsman than a trader, he replied: "No, I'm a doer. I'm a bodger."
