News

Can a house really heal? That’s the question Kevin McCloud explores in this Wednesday’s episode of “Grand Designs” on Channel 4. “South-West London Revisit” takes us back to a project from 2017, where Elinor and Born embarked on an ambitious build: a low-toxin, clean-aired home for their allergic and asthmatic children. Seven years later, Kevin […]

Grand Designs: South-West London Revisit...

On Wednesday 23 April 2025, Channel 4 broadcasts Grand Designs!

Season 26 Episode 7 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Grand Designs” promises to explore a fascinating question: Can good architecture heal? This week, Kevin McCloud will revisit Elinor and Born, a couple who made headlines in 2017 for their ambitious project. They built a unique home designed to provide clean air and a hypoallergenic environment for their two sons, who suffer from severe allergies.

Viewers can expect to see how the family’s journey has evolved since the completion of their house. The episode will delve into the challenges they faced during construction and how their home has impacted their lives over the years. Kevin will take a closer look at the architectural choices that were made to create a space that prioritizes health and well-being.

As the episode unfolds, it will highlight the importance of thoughtful design in creating living spaces that cater to specific needs.

On Wednesday 16 April 2025, Channel 4 broadcasts Grand Designs!

Season 26 Episode 5 Episode Summary

In the upcoming episode of “Grand Designs,” viewers will see Kevin return to visit Graeme and Melanie after a long eighteen months. This visit comes after a previous trip where the progress of their home was not as bright as they had hoped. The episode promises to explore whether the couple has finally turned things around and created the beautiful home they originally dreamed of.

Kevin will check in on the couple’s journey, highlighting the challenges they faced during the construction process. The last visit left many questions about whether Graeme and Melanie could overcome the obstacles in their way. Fans of the show will be eager to find out if their hard work and determination have paid off.

As Kevin walks through the finished spaces, viewers can expect to see the transformation of the house and...

Kevin McCloud returns to Hackney this Wednesday, revisiting a build that tested a couple’s resolve – and their budget. Graeme and Melanie set out to transform a tiny garage plot into a modern marvel, a vibrant red testament to their architectural vision. But their dream home, designed to maximize space vertically for themselves and their […]

Grand Designs: Hackney Revisit...

In the upcoming Season 26 Episode 7 of “Grand Designs,” airing on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 9:00 Pm on Channel 4, viewers will see a powerful story that explores the intersection of architecture and health. Kevin McCloud returns to revisit Elinor and Born, who made waves in 2017 with their unique hypoallergenic home. This episode dives deep into how their innovative living space has impacted their family, particularly their two sons who suffer from severe allergies.

The episode raises an important question: can good architecture truly heal? Elinor and Born’s journey is not just about building a house; it’s about creating a safe haven that promotes well-being. The clean-aired design of their home was crafted with the boys’ health in mind, showcasing how thoughtful architecture can make a significant difference in everyday life.

As Kevin reconnects with the family, viewers will witness the changes in their lives since the construction of their home.

On Wednesday 9 April 2025, Channel 4 broadcasts Grand Designs!

Season 26 Episode 4 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Grand Designs” promises to be an exciting journey into the world of home building and design. This episode features Kathryn, a long-time resident of a north London street, who has spent 60 years in her current Edwardian home. Now, she has decided to take on a unique project: constructing a mirror image of her existing house right next door.

Kathryn’s new build aims to blend the charm of her Edwardian roots with modern elements that reflect the needs and styles of the 21st century. Viewers can expect to see how she plans to incorporate contemporary features while maintaining the character of her beloved neighborhood. The episode will delve into the challenges and triumphs Kathryn faces as she balances tradition with innovation.

As the construction progresses, the episode will showcase the transformation of the site...

In the upcoming episode of “Grand Designs,” viewers will see Kevin McCloud return for a much-anticipated visit to Graeme and Melanie’s ambitious home project. After an eighteen-month hiatus, Kevin is back to check on the progress of their dream home. The last time he visited, the project was facing significant challenges, leaving the couple in a rather gloomy situation.

In this episode, airing at 9:00 Pm on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, on Channel 4, the focus will be on whether Graeme and Melanie have managed to turn things around. The couple had a clear vision for their home, but the road has been rocky. Kevin’s return promises to reveal if they have finally emerged from their struggles and created the beautiful space they originally imagined.

Viewers can expect to see the transformation of the site and hear from Graeme and Melanie about their journey. This episode will highlight the ups...

On Wednesday 2 April 2025, Channel 4 broadcasts Grand Designs!

Season 26 Episode 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Grand Designs” on Channel 4 promises to be an exciting journey for fans of home transformation. This week, Sarah and Pip take on the challenge of a 150-year-old barn in Bedfordshire. The barn has a lot of character but is showing signs of age, leaning to one side. The couple is determined to restore its charm while giving it a modern twist.

Viewers will see how Sarah and Pip navigate the complexities of preserving the barn’s unique features. They aim to keep its historical spirit intact while integrating sleek and contemporary designs. The episode will highlight the couple’s creative ideas and the decisions they must make to balance old and new.

As the renovation progresses, there will be moments of tension and excitement. The couple’s vision for their dream home will be...

The upcoming episode of “Grand Designs” promises to be a captivating journey into the world of unique home building. In Season 26, Episode 4, viewers will meet Kathryn, a long-time resident of a north London street where she has lived for an impressive 60 years. Kathryn’s story is one of nostalgia and innovation as she embarks on an ambitious project to construct a mirror image of her current Edwardian home right next door.

What makes this project particularly intriguing is Kathryn’s vision for her new home. While it will echo the charm of her existing house, she plans to infuse it with a modern twist that reflects 21st-century living. This blend of traditional architecture with contemporary design elements is sure to capture the interest of fans who appreciate both history and innovation in home design.

As the episode unfolds, viewers will witness the challenges and triumphs Kathryn faces throughout her building journey.

On Wednesday 26 March 2025, Channel 4 broadcasts Grand Designs!

Season 26 Episode 1 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Grand Designs” promises to be an exciting adventure for fans of ambitious home building. Kevin McCloud returns to guide viewers through more unique self-building projects. This time, Howard and Sarah take on a bold challenge as they create a striking metallic floating home on a tidal estuary close to Worthing.

The couple’s project is not just about aesthetics; it involves innovative design and engineering. The floating home aims to blend modern architecture with the natural beauty of the estuary. With the tides constantly changing, there is a real question of whether the home will succeed in its unique setting. Will it rise with the waves or face difficulties?

As always, Kevin McCloud brings his insightful commentary and engaging personality to the show. He explores the highs and lows of Howard and Sarah’s journey,...

In the upcoming episode of “Grand Designs,” viewers will meet Sarah and Pip, a couple with a passion for renovation. The episode, airing on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 9:00 Pm on Channel 4, focuses on their ambitious project: a 150-year-old barn in Bedfordshire that is in dire need of repair. With its charming history, the barn has a lot of character, but it is also keeling over, presenting a significant challenge for the couple.

As Sarah and Pip embark on this journey, they aim to strike a balance between preserving the barn’s unique charm and transforming it into a sleek, modern home. The episode will showcase their creative ideas and the hurdles they face along the way. From structural issues to design dilemmas, the couple will need to navigate various obstacles to bring their vision to life.

Fans of “Grand Designs” can expect a blend of inspiration and reality as...

Channel 4’s “Grand Designs” returns this Wednesday with a barn conversion that could be either a triumph of architectural ingenuity or a descent into a costly money pit. Kevin McCloud is on hand, as always, to chronicle the trials and tribulations of Sarah and Pip as they attempt to transform a 150-year-old barn into a […]

Grand Designs: Sarah & Pip, Barn...

Kevin McCloud returns to the screen with the highly anticipated Season 26 of “Grand Designs.” This season promises to showcase even more ambitious self-building projects that will inspire and captivate. In the first episode, set to air at 10:00 Pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, on Channel 4, viewers will be introduced to Howard and Sarah, a couple with a bold vision for their new home.

Howard and Sarah are taking on an extraordinary challenge as they embark on building a radical, metallic floating home on a tidal estuary near Worthing. The design is not just unique; it raises questions about the practicality and safety of living on water. The couple’s innovative approach to architecture is sure to spark interest and debate. Will their dream home float gracefully on the water, or will it face unexpected challenges?

As Kevin McCloud follows their journey, viewers can expect to see the ups and downs of self-building.

On Wednesday 20 November 2024, Sky Mix broadcasts Portrait Artist of the Year!

Heather Mills, Kevin McCloud, Martha Kearney Season 11 Episode 7 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Portrait Artist of the Year,” titled “Heather Mills, Kevin McCloud, Martha Kearney,” promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and creativity. This episode will air on Sky Mix and features artists from across the UK and Ireland competing to create stunning portraits of well-known personalities.

In this episode, the sitters include Heather Mills, a prominent activist and former model, Kevin McCloud, a well-respected television presenter known for his work on home design, and Martha Kearney, a familiar face in broadcasting and journalism. Each artist will have the challenge of capturing the essence of these famous figures within a limited time frame, pushing their skills and creativity to the limits.

The competition is fierce, as the artists not only aim to impress the judges but...

On Wednesday 20 November 2024, Sky Arts broadcasts Portrait Artist of the Year!

Heather Mills, Kevin McCloud, Martha Kearney Season 11 Episode 7 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Portrait Artist of the Year,” titled “Heather Mills, Kevin McCloud, Martha Kearney,” promises to be an exciting showcase of artistic talent. This episode will air on Sky Arts and features a diverse group of artists from across the UK and Ireland. Each artist will face the challenge of creating a portrait of one of the famous sitters, adding an extra layer of pressure and excitement to the competition.

Heather Mills, known for her work as an activist and businesswoman, will be one of the sitters. Her presence is sure to inspire the artists as they capture her likeness and personality on canvas. Kevin McCloud, the well-known television presenter and designer, will also be featured. His creative background may influence the way artists approach his portrait.

In the upcoming episode of “Grand Designs,” viewers can look forward to a special treat as Kevin McCloud revisits the very first project from 1999. This nostalgic journey takes him back to the stunning timber-framed home of Tim and Jules, perched on the cliffs above Newhaven. The episode, airing at 10:00 Pm on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, promises to be a heartfelt exploration of how the couple’s dream home has fared over the years.

Tim and Jules’ home was a groundbreaking design back in the day, and it captured the imagination of many. Now, Kevin has the chance to see if their ambitious vision has stood the test of time. Audiences will witness the couple’s journey, from the challenges of building their unique home to how it has evolved since its completion. The cliffs offer breathtaking views, and the design itself is a testament to creativity and resilience.

As Kevin reconnects with Tim and Jules,...

On Wednesday 16 October 2024, Channel 4 broadcasts Grand Designs!

Season 25 Episode 4 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Grand Designs” promises to be a compelling journey as Tony and Ara embark on a unique project. They aim to build a house of healing focused on health and wellbeing, set in a picturesque woodland clearing near Henley-on-Thames. This serene location is perfect for their vision, but the path to creating their dream home is not without challenges.

As the episode unfolds, viewers will see Tony and Ara navigate the emotional complexities tied to the site. The couple’s desire to create a peaceful retreat is met with various obstacles that test their resolve. The woodland setting, while beautiful, holds memories and feelings that could complicate their plans. This adds an extra layer of depth to their story, making it more than just a building project.

The episode will showcase the couple’s design choices,...

On Wednesday’s episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud follows the journey of holistic therapist Kara and electrician Jonny, who are taking on the ambitious task of building a unique family home in the picturesque rolling hills of West Yorkshire. Motivated by Kara’s recent paralysis due to a rare autoimmune condition, the couple is […]

Grand Designs: West Yorkshire 2024...

Grand Designs Australia returns for its eleventh season, with new host Anthony Burke joining forces with Grand Designs UK icon Kevin McCloud on a journey to discover exceptional contemporary Australian architecture. In the season premiere of Grand Designs Australia, Anthony Burke takes the helm as host, and he’s joined by the legendary Kevin McCloud of […]

Grand Designs Australia: Series 11 Premiere...

The long-running property show Grand Designs returns for another season, with Kevin McCloud once again at the helm. In the season premiere, McCloud takes us to East Yorkshire, to follow a challenging long term build. The episode centres on Zahid, a resident of Leeds, who purchased an obsolete coastguard station at an auction. Together with […]

Grand Designs: East Yorkshire 2024...

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 9:00 Pm, Channel 4 airs a special episode of “Grand Designs,” celebrating 25 years of the beloved homebuilding programme. Hosted by Kevin McCloud, this milestone episode takes a nostalgic look back at some of the most memorable moments from the series.

Throughout the hour, Kevin revisits both the incredible triumphs and the heart-wrenching disasters that have defined “Grand Designs.” Viewers will get a chance to relive the joy of successful builds that transformed dreams into reality, as well as the lessons learned from projects that faced unexpected challenges. The episode promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions, highlighting the dedication and passion that homeowners and builders bring to their projects.

With iconic footage and insightful commentary, this anniversary special is a must-watch for long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike. “Grand Designs” continues to inspire and entertain, showcasing the resilience and creativity of those who dare to create their perfect home.

Join Kevin McCloud as he delves into the world of pioneering self-build projects in “Grand Designs: The Streets.” Airing on Wednesday, December 27, at 9:00 Pm on Channel 4, this episode follows the development of innovative new projects while revisiting ambitious self-builds in Graven Hill and Glasgow alongside Natasha Huq.

Viewers can anticipate a captivating exploration of architectural ingenuity and the challenges faced by those daring to create their dream homes. As Kevin and Natasha catch up with Amanda and Chris, who transformed their cramped house into a fabulous family home, the episode promises a blend of inspiration and practical insights for anyone considering a self-build.

For those enamored with the world of design and construction, “Grand Designs: The Streets” offers a window into the creativity and determination that fuel these ambitious projects. Tune in at 9:00 Pm for an evening of architectural marvels and the stories behind the transformations on...

In the second episode of “The Great Climate Fight,” airing on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at 10:00 Pm on Channel 4, viewers can expect a compelling exploration of environmental advocacy. Mary Portas takes on the task of holding Jeremy Hunt accountable for the government’s oil and gas tax breaks, shedding light on critical policies that impact climate efforts.

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall steps into the spotlight as he calls out the Energy Secretary for obstructing onshore wind projects, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy sources. The episode also features Kevin McCloud, who impassionedly urges Michael Gove to elevate housing standards, highlighting the role of sustainable architecture in the fight against climate change.

The episode promises a blend of investigative journalism, direct challenges to policymakers, and impassioned pleas for crucial environmental reforms. “The Great Climate Fight” continues to engage viewers in the conversation surrounding climate change, rallying influential figures to address key issues and drive positive change.

In the upcoming episode of “The Great Climate Fight,” viewers will witness Mary Portas, Kevin McCloud, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall take their collective efforts against climate change directly to the government. Portas will focus on addressing oil and gas subsidies, questioning their impact on environmental sustainability. Simultaneously, McCloud will delve into the matter of high heating expenses in British households, seeking answers to the reasons behind this issue. Additionally, Fearnley-Whittingstall will emphasize the importance of ceasing the obstruction of onshore wind energy, presenting a compelling case for its unrestricted implementation.

Scheduled to air at 10:15 Pm on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, on Channel 4, this premiere episode promises an insightful exploration of key environmental concerns through the unique perspectives of these three renowned figures. By bringing their inquiries and demands directly to the forefront of governmental discourse, the trio aims to foster a greater understanding of the challenges posed by climate change while advocating for actionable solutions.

On November 1, 2023, at 10:00 Pm, Channel 4 will broadcast an episode of “Grand Designs.” In this episode, furniture maker Lucinda takes on the challenge of constructing a two-story, highly insulated timber home in the woodlands of South Herefordshire. What sets her project apart is her commitment to building without the use of heavy machinery.

“Grand Designs” is a popular show that follows individuals as they embark on ambitious and unique construction projects. It provides a window into the world of architecture and design, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of these ventures.

In this episode, viewers can anticipate the construction process and witness Lucinda’s determination to create a beautifully crafted, eco-friendly home in a natural setting.

If you’re interested in architecture and the intricacies of building a unique home, this episode is a must-watch. Tune in to Channel 4 at 10:00 Pm on November 1, 2023, to witness Lucinda’s timber home project unfold on “Grand Designs.

Race Across The World, the Studio Lambert reality competition series that won a BAFTA last week, is heading to China as part of a raft of finished tape sales clinched by All3Media International.

The All3Media-owned distributor has inked its first deal with Chinese streamer Huanxi Media, which encompasses 110 hours of factual programming. This includes Season 1 and 2 of BBC show Race Across The World.

Other shows featuring in the deal include three seasons of Fox’s Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours To Hell And Back, as well as Our Guy in Japan (North One Productions), Kevin McCloud’s Escape To The Wild (Optomen Television) and Bear’s Wild Weekend With Stephen Fry (Betty V).

Kit Yow, sales manager for Asia Pacific at All3Media International, said: “With such a wealth of finished content available, we’re able to deliver premium, globally relevant programming to new platforms quickly and efficiently, helping...

Exclusive: The UK has a long history of producing hit property shows such as Kevin McCloud’s Grand Designs and Phil and Kirstie’s Location, Location, Location. The BBC is now moving into the virtual reality-led future with its latest format in the genre.

I understand that the British public broadcaster has ordered Watch This Space from Endemol Shine’s Remarkable Television. For the first time on British television, cutting edge Vr technology and visual effects will be used in a property format, transforming ordinary homes with unique designs.

Hosted by Robot Wars’ Angela Scanlon, the eight-part series, which will air on BBC Two, will see two couples who disagree about the best designs for their home work with architects Laura Clark and Robert Jamison. The pair will produce two conflicting briefs and then the homeowners will be able to “step into” the redesigned properties using the Vr tech. Through...

Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud has revealed that he once made an episode of the show specifically to get people "as drunk as possible".

The presenter said that he was inspired by the fan drinking game created around the show. '#granddesignsbingo' sees viewers down shots each time something eventful happens during an episode.

'Drink' causes include each time contestants run out of money or quit their job to devote more time to their project.

Speaking at a media event this week, McCloud said: "We even actually wrote an entire programme around the drinking, and it's covert so one of the programmes is deliberately designed to get people as drunk as possible.

"There are all kinds of rules, like every time I used the word 'bespoke' it's a double shot, the wife gets pregnant halfway through, that's a treble."

Other 'drink' scenarios include when planning permission is ignored by owners...

Magic show Troy will return for a second series on E4 next year.

The illusionist will once again be filmed on the streets using hidden cameras in front of members of the public.

The first series averaged around 600,000 viewers on E4 earlier this year.

Elsewhere, Richard Ayoade is to front a new untitled series in which he goes on holiday in Europe with a different celebrity companion each week.

The pair will head off to aspirational destinations including ice palaces, otter hotels and underwater bedrooms.

Kevin McCloud will front a new series titled Escape to the Wild, where he will meet people who have moved from the suburbs and cities to the most remote places on earth.

Dementiaville will be a three-part series that explores a new approach to caring for people with dementia, which aims to reduce confusion of those suffering with the condition, while celebrating who they once were with their families.

Penelope Keith and Angela Lansbury are among the stars in the Queen's New Year Honours List for 2014.

Pete Tong, Karren Brady and Ruth Jones are also named on the annual list.

For the first time since the Order of the British Empire was founded in 1917, women outnumber men in the overall list.

Keith - perhaps best known for her roles in the sitcoms The Good Life and To the Manor Born - is named a dame. She said: "You know I sort of feel elated, exhausted and thrilled. It's the big one. I had already got an OBE and then a Cbe, so I don't know what is better than the icing on the cake, but this is."

British-born Murder, She Wrote star Lansbury is also named a dame for her successful acting career, charitable work and philanthropy.

Apprentice star Karren Brady, the vice-chair of West Ham Football Club, gets...

About the author: Jemima Lesser blogs for Cushion Couture, the home of cheap cushions online.

There is a terrible plague affecting modern society. I’m not talking about war, or famine or even global warming. This affliction began in the murky depths of daytime telly and has crawled, oozing, into the evening and weekend schedules like some monstrous new species. I am referring, of course, to the not-so-new breed of TV property programs.

As the economy continues to stumble and the housing market wheezes its way to recovery, it seems an inverse trend is taking place. Alongside the increasing inability for most decent and hardworking Britons to actually be able to buy or indeed build a place to live, there appears to be a growing propensity for TV toffs to tell us all about the joys of doing exactly that! The inner grump in me is compelled to combat this...

Channel 4's Grand Designs celebrated its 100th edition with an audience of over 3 million viewers last night (October 17). Kevin McCloud's architecture series, still one of the broadcaster's best performers after 13 years on air, achieved a series high of 3.05m (13.5%) in its traditional Wednesday 9pm slot, also adding an impressive 553k (3.5%) on +1. Then 10pm's Shameless, which was recently cancelled, climbed to 989k (6.5%). Meanwhile, ITV was given a big boost by Emmerdale's hour-long live episode, as All Star Mr & Mrs (3.8m/16.7%) and Dci Banks (4.36m/19.2%) both lost viewers week-on-week. Mrs & Mrs had a further 228k (1%) on +1, and Banks added 206k (1.3%) on timeshift. Over on BBC One, Watchdog (4.72m/21.3%) won its 8pm slot, while Who Do You Think (more)...

The first installment of DeadLantern.com's free horror web series Shivers Down Your Spine is now live, and we have it for you right here! In this episode, entitled "Deadbolt", a young girl is visited by more than just trick 'r treaters on Halloween night...

Here's the lowdown on the series:

This will be a 13-part series of short 4- to 8-minute films that feature a wide range of horror subgenres, from comedy to slashers to monsters to even obscure stuff like film noir and sword-and-sandal! This series will also include shorts written and directed by various members of the horror podcast community, including the Splattercast and Drunken Zombie. All Shivers episodes are made with next to no budget and filmed almost exclusively in a single day. They are designed to be fun, easily digested horror for fans by fans.

"Deadbolt" Credits:

Writer/Director/Editor: Mathew Kister Starring: Jenny Chambers,...

Some of Britain’s favorite celebrities auction have personally designed candle holders to raise awareness of the race for a cure for Parkinson’s.

Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais, Alesha Dixon, Kevin McCloud and a host of other celebrities have pledged their support for finding a cure for Parkinson’s by designing their own candle holders which are being auctioned off in support of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust’s Illuminate campaign.

The 34 specially designed candle holders will be auctioned on eBay for 10 days starting 7pm on 22nd February 2011. You are invited to bid for your favourite celebrity’s candle holder on eBay all in the name of an exceptionally worthy cause. The entire collection of designs is also available in a lovely book.

Read more...

A director's CV needs to prove a lot to a prospective employer. An eye for imaginative camera shots. A bulging contacts book with lots of good actors and crewmembers who can help make the project a resounding success. And then there's the all-important talent for judging budgetary requirements.

It's a talent that's especially important in a show like Doctor Who, especially in the days before the budget got bigger. Back in the day, the budget never seemed to amount to much, given the various DVD commentary anecdotes, during which directors spend aeons discussing every scrap of budget on their allocated story – anecdotes that are only really of any value to accountants and insomniacs.

But any director worth his or her salt needs to have a good grasp of finance, especially if they're called upon to write a story for Doctor Who. Peter Grimwade – he of the rather creepy, intense stare – was one such example,...

Self-build programme Grand Designs returned to almost 3.3 million viewers on Wednesday night, according the latest audience data. A new episode of the show, which is presented by Kevin McCloud, was watched by 3.29m (14.5%) on Channel 4 in the 9pm hour, while 255k (1.5%) tuned in on Channel 4 +1. ITV's live coverage of Arsenal's resounding Champions League victory over Braga pulled in 3.59m (16.3%) from 7.30pm and 268k (1.2%) on ITV1 HD. On BBC One, Waterloo Road and The Young Ones averaged respective audiences of 4.48m (20.2%) and 3.62m (15.9%) between 8pm and 10pm. The One Show grabbed 4.38m (22%) on BBC One from 7pm, up 780k week-on-week, before Bang Goes The Theory took 4.25m (21.1%). Over at Channel 4, new series Food brought in 1.59m (7.1%) in the 8pm hour and 231k (1%) on timeshift. Documentary Michael Jackson And Bubbles: (more)...

America needs reality television like Top Gear. The fact that we don’t air this program on a mainstream network channel baffles me. Do Americans like cars? Yes. Do we like comedy? Yes. Do we watch far worse things than this on average? Regrettably, yes. Top Gear has the laughs, has stunningly good production values, and can keep audiences of all types entertained. It’s twelfth series sees an increase in runtime from last season by two episodes as well as an entire episode in the extra features. The set rounds out to about eight and a half hours of entertainment, a definite improvement over the paltry offerings in Top Gear 11.

Top Gear 12 has some of the more amusing episodes in recent memory. It starts off with a bang as the trio purchases a Lorry (comparable to a Mack truck) apiece and deck them out for a series of challenges.

Part 2: From Davina and Deeley to Joy Orbison

Dance Shows

Are you dancing? Cat Deeley and Davina are asking

In 2010, Cat Deeley and Davina McCall will go head-to-head with their own dance shows: BBC1's So You Think You Can Dance and Sky1's Got To Dance. But which looks better?

Premise Sytycd is an X Factor-style contest to find the UK's best dancer, whereas Got To Dance is an X Factor … oh, hang on, they're identical.

Winner It's a draw.

Promos The Got To Dance promos see Davina McCall recreating famous dance routines dressed in a skimpy leotard that shows off her feminine magnificence like never before. The Sytycd promo is a close-up of Nigel Lythgoe's bulging amphibian face.

Winner Davina.

Host's Sense Of Inhibition Cat Deeley might have polarised Us audiences with her wayward fashion sense, but it seems like Davina actively lobbied to wear that leotard.

Channel 4 will screen a new drama documentary series about Queen Elizabeth II as part of its Autumn season. The Queen, which focuses on landmarks in the reign of Her Majesty, will see five different British actress take on the role. Pivotal moments in her life will be played out by Emilia Fox, Samantha Bond, Susan Jameson, Barbara Flynn and Diana Quick. Also forming part of the new season is Derren Brown: The Events, which will invite viewers at home to interact and participate as the magician aims to trick, win, fool and control through various complex acts. Brown will also participate in Channel 4's 3-D programming week with his special programme Derren Brown's 3D Magic Spectacular. Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud will front Grand Tour Of Europe, a four-part series which follows the presenter on an epic journey (more)...

The latest visit to Hell's Kitchen pulled in a lowly 2.47m (10%) for ITV1, according to overnight viewing figures. Last night's 9pm episode - presented by Claudia Winkleman - drew 2.56m fewer viewers than Monday's series four opener. The show lost viewers to The Apprentice, which attracted a respectable 7.02m (28.4%) during the hour for BBC One. Kevin McCloud's Grand Designs put in 2.26m (9.2%) for Channel 4, while the final episode of Alan Whicker's Journey Of A Lifetime managed 1.78m (7.2%) for BBC Two. Five was last for the hour with Extraordinary People: Britain's Tiniest Toddlers, which drew 1.59m (6.4%). Earlier, at 8pm, the latest trip to The Bill took 4.64m (20.5%) for ITV1, ahead of BBC One's Waterloo Road, which was seen by (more)...

More than 4 million tuned in for a new series of Grand Designs on Channel 4 on Wednesday, early figures suggest. The home renovation series - fronted by Kevin McCloud - launched with 4.12m (17.4%) in the 9pm hour, equalling the audience for the final episode of The Secret Life Of Elephants on BBC One. A further 224k (1.4%) watched from 10pm on Channel 4+1. ITV1 managed 3.56m (15%) for a rerun of Taggart at the same time, while on BBC Two, the final episode of The City Uncovered With Evan Davis brought in 1.41m (6%). Five had 1.07m (5.3%) for the Van Damme action flick The Hard Corps. Before Grand Designs, a new episode of Relocation, Relocation took a healthy 3.1m (12.6%), with a further 228k (1.1%) on timeshift. Channel 4's average primetime share was 11.6%, while Channel 4+1 averaged 0.9%. ITV1 won the 8pm hour with 5.33m (more)...

A repeat of New Tricks won the 9pm hour for BBC One on Monday, outdoing ITV1's new drama The Children. The BBC series, which concluded its latest run last week with 7.81m (31.3%), kept hold of a decent 6m (24.9%) for this week's episode, a repeat of the first episode of series three. The Children, a three-part drama about a group of families torn apart by the murder of one of their daughters, had 4.93m (20.4%) over the same period. The figures are up significantly on the one-off piece Pierrepoint, which managed 3.63m (15.7%) last week. Dragons' Den was third place at 9pm, adding 350,000 week-on-week to average an impressive 3.71m (15.4%). Five's new series Extreme Fishing with Robson Green made a decent start with 1.18m (4.9%) while on Channel 4, the final episode of Kevin McCloud and The Big Town Plan had a disappointing (more)...