Grand Designs presenter reveals what happened to show's 'most heartbreaking house’

Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has opened up about the 'most heartbreaking house' after returning to the scene two years on.

Series 26 of the Channel 4 show saw the TV host reunite with Graeme and Melanie, who he first met in the 2023 season.

The couple had plans to turn their small garage plots in Hackney into a pink, three bed home for their family.

Grand Designs host Kevin McCloud was reconnected with a couple who met in tragic circumstances (Channel 4)

Sadly though, they met in tragic circumstances after losing their respective partners.

Their housing plan was to put in a couple of bedrooms for their daughters, Isla and Indi, in the basement, while having living areas on the upper floor.

Melanie said: "Both girls have lost a parent so we are creating a brand new family from two families. It’s an ongoing process that Graeme and I are going through – and the girls.

"We try to address the past of course – you can’t just bury it and not address it, like all the different traditions in each family, we’re trying to keep them alive."

Series 26 of the Channel 4 show starts this week (Channel 4)

Graeme added: "It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and truly unique to witness and be part of. We are two families in one house."

Marking this year's new series, Kevin revealed: "It was always going to be terrifying for them but returning to see the completed building is always a wonderful bonus and a huge privilege.

"It's the embodiment of a journey.

"There's always a chance that they may run out of money. People are always worried about money."

Presenter Kevin McCloud has opened up about the 'most heartbreaking house’ (Channel 4)

This comes after huge concerns in 2023, when the host warned: "'No pain, no gain' is the motto of this project and then if you’re thinking they’ve had a difficult time building it, it is nothing compared to the pain this entire household has suffered on the way getting here, through bereavement and loss, somewhat puts the difficulties of building a house in proportion.

"And if you’re wondering whether or not this building delivers on its objectives set for it.

"Whether or not it's helping this family thrive and flourish, whether it can make them happier, then let me tell you – yes it can. It’s already started."

Feeling grateful to still be presenting the show after all these years, he added: "Longevity is a rare thing in telly.

"I still have a job. It's amazing after all this time."

Series 26 of Grand Designs premieres on Wednesday (26 March) at 10pm on Channel 4.