SIXTY SECONDS
With THE TV HOST, 51, ON UPSETTING THE IN-LAWS, BICKERING WITH KIRSTIE AND HOW LOCKDOWN HAS CHANGED THE WAY WE SEE HOME
You’ve made the 36th series of Location, Location, Location. Why is it still so popular?
Buying a house is something that everybody does or wants to do at some time, so lots of people relate to it. It’s rarely straightforward – there are ups and downs, there’s emotion, and jeopardy, there’s money and relationships and indecision and compromises. So it’s an interesting process to watch. That’s why we’ve done it for 21 years.
And viewers also get all the repeats…
I’m not sure even my mum watches the repeats! I visited them yesterday and she said, ‘You’re on Sundays as well.’ I think Dad falls asleep!
Is it true the series is shown in 72 countries around the world?
Yes, apparently I speak very good Polish! My wife is Australian, so my in-laws are over there. In one episode we had a couple whose in-laws were moving in with them.
Kirstie said to me, ‘Would you ever live with your in-laws?’ I guffawed and went, ‘You’ve got to be joking, no way!’ About 18 months later I got a text from my in-laws who had just seen the episode in Australia saying, ‘Well, thanks very much!’
What’s your relationship like with Kirstie Allsopp?
We love one another and we probably value and treasure each other more 20 years on than we ever did. We’re 100 per cent friends for life. It’s a really natural relationship – we bicker, but we’re close.
Has lockdown changed what we want from our home?
Our homes are working far harder for us than they ever have, so it’s made people think very carefully. Before, our home was somewhere to sleep, spend time with loved ones and entertain friends. Now, it’s a gym, a school and an office. In the new series I’m sure everyone is thinking, ‘What would lockdown have been like if I’d been in this house or flat?’ I’m sure that will remain.
Where did you spend lockdown?
In Hampshire. I’m lucky enough to have a bit of space, a garden and a bit of greenery. There was room for table tennis, pool and darts, so I felt extraordinarily blessed. We’ve been there six years. Before that we were in London. I often think what lockdown would have been like if we’d have stayed there – what would we have done? It would have been tough.
I wouldn’t want to rock that boat by appearing on the BBC at prime time on Saturday night
What made you relocate to the countryside?
I’m a country boy at heart. I had a wonderful time in London for 25 years but I needed a bit more space and nature around me.
Is it your forever home?
I hope so. My children are 17 and 15 and if they go off to the four quarters of the world and don’t come and visit us, then maybe not. But if they carry on visiting and using and loving the house then I’ll stay, because I’m very happy here.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
If I can find an excuse to be outdoors I’ll be outdoors, walking the dogs, gardening, riding my bike, playing cricket or golf.
Is there anything left on your bucket list?
I like challenges and I’m always putting things on my personal bucket list. I’ve just signed up for a big one next year with my sister. We’re pulling a sledge and all our provisions across 85km of Norway’s ice. It will take us five days and we’ll camp on the ice.
What other TV shows might take your fancy?
I’m a farmer’s son, so I’d love to do something on the countryside. I thoroughly enjoyed making my stately homes series, so something else along that theme would be nice. And we’re two thirds of the way through making the next series of Kirstie And Phil’s Love It Or List It, which is great fun.
Will you and Kirstie ever be tempted to appear on Strictly?
We’ve been asked. Kirstie is a huge fan of Strictly but we are gainfully and wonderfully employed by Channel 4. I’m grateful for that and I wouldn’t want to rock that boat by appearing on the BBC at prime time on Saturday night.
What’s in the new series of Location, Location, Location?
It was a real surprise to find every single part of the country and every single price bracket was bananas. I haven’t seen a housing market like it in 25 years. It’s very busy and very much a seller’s market, so it was tough conditions. In the first episode we’re in south London and I’m searching with Jess and Zac, who have viewed more than 60 properties without success.
Be honest, don’t you get irritated by the ditherers who can’t make up their minds?
In the current property market when we found opportunities that fitted and were sensibly priced, it was frustrating when they felt they were going to be able to go on and find something better and cheaper. You can take a horse to water but you can’t make it drink!
Location, Location, Location starts on C4 on Wednesday at 8pm