DID YOU KNOW? Kevin McCloud

As Kevin, 59, tours more of the nation’s finest homes in Grand Designs: House Of The Year (9pm, Ch4), we look at some facts you might not know about the property enthusiast…

Kevin was born in Bedfordshire on May 8, 1959 and, along with his two brothers, was raised in a house built by his parents. Sadly, their not so grand design fell apart within ten years.

He studied the history of art and architecture at Cambridge University, where he was a member of the Footlights comedy revue, alongside Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

Before starting at university, he trained as an opera singer in Italy.

After graduating from Cambridge, he trained as a theatre designer before setting up his own lighting design practice – and at one point, his company employed 26 people.

His first television presenting appearance was a 1998 guest stint on the BBC2 makeover show Home Front In The Garden. He developed asthma at the age of 16, and it has been ‘a constant challenge ever since’, adding: ‘As a result of some truly frightening attacks, I wouldn’t risk going anywhere without my reliever and preventer inhalers.’ He has worn the same leather belt since 1977. ‘I can’t imagine ever replacing it. I even smother it with moisturiser every six months to keep it supple.’ He lives in an Elizabethan farmhouse in Somerset with his wife, interior designer Suzanna (Zani). He has four children – son Milo and daughter Elsie with Zani, and son Hugo and daughter Grace from a previous relationship.