Kevin McCloud, the beloved presenter of Channel 4's Grand Designs, has disclosed a secret health battle that could dramatically alter his role on the show. The 66-year-old has been diagnosed with arthritis in both hands, making it increasingly difficult for him to handle the tools he has used for nearly three decades.
Arthritis Diagnosis and Its Impact
McCloud revealed to the Mirror that he has arthritis in both wrists, thumbs, and several other joints, significantly impairing his grip. "I've got arthritis in both wrists and the thumbs and a couple of joints, so my grip is not good," he said. "So I have to be really careful using power tools - that's for sure - and axes, in a way that I didn't used to have to worry about." He added, "There are bits of me that are really hurting now that didn't, and there are things I can't do that I could do five years ago. I am getting old."
Commitment to the Show
Despite the painful condition, McCloud insists he is not ready to give up the show that has made him a household name. "I'm not going to grumble because this is just wear and tear," he said. "Ideally, I'd like to be 97 and keel over while I'm chopping some firewood. No blood on the axe - just keel over." He admitted that he couldn't imagine hosting the show in another 25 years, but remains committed for now. "Obviously! We never know what's around the corner but I'm fit and I'm able and I love doing it. Long may that last."
Personal Sacrifices
The presenter, who designed Harrods' famous vegetable-inspired food hall ceiling, confessed that the gruelling filming schedule has come at a personal cost. "I don't see enough of my family, my grandchildren. I don't see enough of my friends," he said. McCloud, who has four children - Hugo, Grace, Milo, and Elsie - revealed he hasn't had a summer holiday for over 30 years. "It would be in the 1990s, I think, that I last had a holiday in August, because we transmit our series at the beginning of September," he explained. "So we are working hell for leather, like nut cases, through July and August."
Life Beyond Grand Designs
McCloud, awarded an MBE in 2014 for services to sustainable design, married businesswoman Jenny Jones in 2022 after separating from his ex-wife Suzanna following 23 years of marriage. The show, now in its 27th series with over 250 episodes, shows no signs of slowing down. "If I stopped doing Grand Designs, I would miss that privilege," he said. "I would miss those weekly experiences, learning every day, discovering technique, meeting a craftsperson, listening to somebody on whatever journey they're on." He concluded, "I try to be active because I find it spiritually and physically good. I don't think I'll ever stop if I can help it."
