Kevin McCloud, the presenter of Grand Designs, has revealed that he is battling arthritis, raising concerns about his ability to continue hosting the long-running show. The 64-year-old told a newspaper that the condition affects his hands and could eventually force him to step down from the programme, which he has presented for over 20 years.
McCloud said he was diagnosed with osteoarthritis several years ago and that it has progressively worsened. He described the pain as 'quite severe' at times and admitted that it has made some aspects of his work more difficult, particularly tasks requiring fine motor skills. However, he remains determined to continue as long as possible, stating that he loves the show and its audience.
The presenter is known for his hands-on approach, often inspecting building sites and handling materials. He acknowledged that the condition might limit his ability to do this in the future. 'I can't pretend it's not a problem,' he said. 'But I'm not going to let it stop me just yet.'
Grand Designs, which follows self-builders creating unique homes, is currently in its 22nd series. McCloud has become synonymous with the programme, known for his lyrical commentary and occasional scepticism about ambitious projects. He has also fronted spin-offs such as House of the Year and The Street.
McCloud's comments come as he continues filming for the current series. He said he is managing the condition with medication and exercise, and hopes to remain on the show for several more years. 'I'm not ready to retire,' he added. 'There are still too many fascinating houses to see.'
