Home Improvement Shows

Harry Hill casts a wry eye on Home Improvement Shows.

Harry could barely contain his disbelieve when one old DIY show demonstrated how to wire a plug in black and white. All the wires were shades of grey.

Home Improvement shows in the 1960s and the 1970s were dusty and staid.

In the 1980s they had a makeover with some added pizzazz. They took off in the 1990s. Daytime television was a natural home for these kinds of shows.

Changing Rooms ruled the airwaves. Laurence Llewelyn Bowen brought a double barrelled bluster. His exotic designs were a turnoff for some participants who had a makeover.

Whereas Changing Rooms had rooms done up on the cheap. Grand Designs went for the grand and viewers loved it.

I have some sympathy for Laurence. He is a big believer that your house should reflect your personality. Don't go for boring beige or dull colours.

One thing Harry could not help notice was how much scripted some of it was. It was all done to a high standard.