Grand Designs has remained a firm favourite across the nation since its first premiere on Channel 4 in 1999. Throughout the years, viewers have watched with anticipation as presenter Kevin McCloud journeys across the UK to introduce various renovation projects from start to finish. For many, the programme evokes aspirational dreaming as they watch the often ambitious projects unfold. The episodes also regularly stir emotions, too, as the renovations, which can take up to multiple years to complete, provide life lessons in perseverance.
It also sees homeowners come up against life's multiple hurdles, such as financial troubles and severe health woes, which threaten to push back the finish date on some of the projects. Throughout the years, as fans have shared their emotions on social media, Kevin has also gotten choked up on some of the heart-wrenching stories shared on screens as guests shell out their life savings for their dream home. Here are some of the most emotional Grand Design episodes, which moved the usually stoic Kevin to tears.
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during an episode last month after meeting Malene and her partner Pep, who was living with terminal cancer while passionately spearheading the project to build their dream home. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Channel 4" data-licensor-name="Channel 4" />
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The property's ambitious design captivated viewers but took a devastating toll on owner Edward Short and his family.
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"It was unfinished, and because he couldn't proceed with works. The water was getting in and it cost him tens of thousands of pounds to remediate the steelwork and glazing because it was damaged. The building wasn't fully watertight and that's a great shame."
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The Standard: "I might be getting a bit softer and sentimental in my age. "Twice recently, I have welled up while interviewing somebody. When they get emotional and upset, I've also got emotional and upset."
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