Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen has taken aim at television personality Stacey Solomon, criticizing her popular BBC show, Sort Your Life Out, for its content and approach to home makeovers. The presenter, who gained fame as the host of Changing Rooms back in the 1990s, has expressed his disdain for what he deems to be inferior design work, casting doubt on the show's merits.
When asked whether he watches makeover shows like Sort Your Life Out during a recent interview with Closer magazine, the 59-year-old designer made his position clear, stating, “No, that's not design is it? That's folding someone’s underpants.” His remarks highlight his strong beliefs about what constitutes genuine interior design, as he emphasized his commitment to more substantial projects, including Interior Design Masters. He proudly noted, “I’ve been taken out of the crypt and revived,” referencing his career resurgence.
Solomon, at 35, has become one of the most beloved figures on British television, attracting over two million viewers to her show, which revolves around decluttering homes and providing makeovers. Sort Your Life Out is currently airing its fifth series and has recently featured some heartwarming content.
This past week’s episode saw Stacey deeply affected by her work with the Brearly-Baird family from Leeds. The family was confronted with the overwhelming task of decluttering, particularly touching were the moments shared with Lynda Brearly-Baird, who is battling incurable breast cancer. This emotional storyline showcased not only the struggles faced by many families dealing with clutter but also the impact it can have on their lives. Lynda revealed her efforts to create lasting memories for her five-year-old daughter, Charlotte, through what she called her memory box. “I’ve actually started one myself for unfortunately, ever since (I realised) at some point I won’t be here anymore,” she confided.
Lynda's heartfelt statements included her worry about whether Charlotte would have memories of her mother. “The worst fear for me was when I was first found out, Charlotte was still quite young, is she won’tremember me. I want her toremember me,” she said, prompting both viewers and Stacey, who was visibly emotional, to reflect on the poignancy of such moments. “I’ve never gone through... it’s happening to them,” Stacey remarked, articulately expressing her feelings about the special moments shared during the family's decluttering process.
Laurence's critiques stand alongside his recent announcements of new projects, including the return of Outrageous Homes. The show will see him visiting distinctive homes to discover their fascinating stories, promising viewers insight beyond mere aesthetics. He expressed his excitement, saying: “Twenty-eight years ago when I filmed the first episode of Changing Rooms, I suspected this nation wasn’t actually the aesthetic blandscape it appeared to be... Homeowners who dare to be different are the beating heart of this celebratory telly feast.”
While Laurence continues to work on various design projects, Stacey remains devoted to touching the lives of families through her emotional yet practical approach to home makeovers. The divergent philosophies of these two television personalities show the varied approaches to home design and emotional storytelling, reflecting broader themes within the realms of television and personal transformation.