Breaking News! I won’t be returning to The Great Interior Design Challenge.
The good news is the fourth series of The Great Interior design challenge has been commissioned and filming is underway. While I can’t deny that it breaks my heart that I won’t be working with my favourite people in TV Daniel Hopwood and Tom Dyckhoff, not to mention the courageous and creative designers that bare their soul and their talents to be part of the show, I’m not going to miss being away from my family.
I’ve made the tough yet brilliant decision to take a complete career break. My son Arthur is just five and it’ll be the first time ever I’ve ever been able to commit to being with him during the summer holidays. For the past three years I’ve been away from home for three days and nights every week filming throughout the whole summer. I’ve totally loved my involvement with GIDC and put my whole soul into it, but already, one week into the school holidays I am realising the oh-so-precious time with my son. My Mum keeps reminding me that they grow up so fast and now he’s just finished his first year in reception, the penny has dropped. It feels really empowering to making the bold decision to clear my diary for the entire summer. But I’m so grateful to Studio Lambert and the BBC for inviting me back to judge the Final. So I’m going to get my GIDC fix after all and check up on Dan, Tom and Kelly Hoppen! I just need to find myself the most impossibly huge earrings to mark the occasion.
Now I’m not completely disappearing. I’ll still be putting out lots of inspiring stuff on my social media channels. Expect plenty of colour- loving images on my instagram feed and I will share the progress of my new house redesign over on my YouTube channel and Blog. As I continue to live a slowed down life this summer you might even catch me doing some decorating and up cycling myself or catch me at the local reclamation yards, boot sales and antique fairs. I’ve got my very own Great Interior Design Challenge going on.
I’m looking forward to returning to work in the Autumn feeling refreshed and invigorated. I’ve more TV work booked in for then which I can’t wait to tell you about. And Daniel and I certainly haven’t broken up, we’re hosting a series of Interior Design Master classes, and presently taking bookings for October, so please book yourself on and come and say Hi!
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Oh no, I can’t watch it now! Good for you, I have just been thinking that exact same thing about my little boy and they are so very precious. Good luck and enjoy your family time x
It would be weird to watch it without you there! I totally understand you decision though!I wish you all the best and your blogging is going soo well!
Thanks Dan! I’ll miss being part of a great production but no regrets. Good luck with your twins! How lucky you are x
I’ve just found this post after sitting down to watch the first episode and discovering your absence! Gutted! It won’t be the same…
Whilst you were always honest you were never nasty and I really liked that. I always thought you and Daniel complemented each other well. Also going to miss your wonderful outfits and spotting things you wore in Sirene!
Hi Sharon. Thankyou for your kind words. One things I will miss the most is working alongside Daniel Hopwood. Whilst we couldn’t be more different, we really did become good friends. Hope it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment of a wonderful show!
I’ve just watched the first episode on iplayer and was just as gutted as everyone else to discover you weren’t still part of this brilliant show – I’m so pleased to find out that it was your choice and for the very best of reasons – children certainly d grow up fast and you can’t regain that time…. your mum was right! Hope last summer was magical. You will be sorely missed on GIDC, but I will continue to follow what you do and be inspired by you – Good Luck!
Thank you Jane! It’s so lovely to have your support. I know longer feel like I’m gripping hold of the reins while being dragged around by two wild horses! So much going on here at our own pad, I’ll enjoy sharing it with you here.
Thanks Jen and Maz. I can’t deny that Dan and I had an absolute ball filming the last three series. He’s a top bloke. I’m not sure I’m really cut out to be a judge to be honest. I prefer celebrating peoples creativity rather than judging it!
I was only looking at him in bed tonight thinking how big he’s getting! Best choice ever!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m sure Kelly will go from strength to strength on the show- and I can see she’s giving Dan a run for his money! I loved working with him for three years, he really is a top bloke! Together they are a very formidable duo don’t you think
I too was shocked to find you absent from the new series. So glad to discover it was your decision. It’s a move considered brave and bold in these times but really it’s kind of the obvious choice, isn’t it?! What’s the point in us having children if we can’t spend any time with them. Enjoy!
Hi Christine!I couldn;t be happier that I took the summer off last year to be with my son and spend time in our new house in the country! Getting the life work balance is tough and I’m still working on it!
Like the others, I was sad to see you missing from the show, but it’s great to know it was your choice. The fact you don’t feel cut out to be a judge probably explains why everyone else thinks you excelled in that role, as you clearly did. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours.
Thank you Simon for your kind words. I’ve enjoyed watching the show from the other side of the screen from the comfort of my sofa! I hope you have too. And don’t forget I’m back to watch the final
Hi Sophie, like the other posters here I have just seen this after wondering why you weren’t in every episode of the most recent series. Whilst I was gutted to find you had stepped away from GIDC, it’s lovely to hear the reasons why. I have a little boy (also called Arthur!) and I recently took a major step back from my career to spend time with him. Best thing I ever did! That said, really missed you this series and will keep an eye out for you on here and Insta etc xxx
Hi Helena
Thankyou fot your comment, and while I really missed being part of The Great Interior Design Challenge this year, its was a wonderful summer spent with my son. Its a super tough balance this work life thing, but I’ll never look back and wish I’d worked harder!!
I JUST discovered this show on Netflix (I’m in the U.S.) and I’m so sad to hear of its demise! I am totally in love with “actress Sharon’s” work. I am frustrated, however, that I can’t find any more info on her. Surely she has a website…or at least a Pinterest page. Can you help me with that? Best wishes.
Delighted to hear that you are enjoying the show! Wasn’t Sharon a superstar! I keep in touch with Sharon on twitter, her handle is @actionituk
I think the chemistry with Daniel and you was much more cohesive. I still enjoy the show but like in many of the rooms sometimes the designers leave an important piece out of the room. Hope they have you back in Season 5. I’m a tour guide in Brugge and I’ve learned so much history watching the show. Wish you great success in all your endeavours.
Sincerely,
Steven Atkeson
Hi Steven
Thanks so much for your feedback and I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the show. Sadly the BBC won’t be making any more which is a real shame!
This programme has just made its way to NZ and I’ve been loving it!! Series 4 has just started and I’m not sure i want to watch it without you! I always looked forward to seeing what you were wearing and love your style. It’s very inspiring. And you seem so natural and down-to-earth. Have just signed up to get your emails!
