Bedford-based designer and TV presenter, Max McMurdo, is hosting a new DIY reality show which is offering the biggest ever prize on daytime Channel 4.
Chateau DIY: Win the Dream launched on Monday (26 January) and airs daily.
The show follows in the footsteps of the popular Chateau DIY, this time offering 12 couples the chance to win the keys to a £250,000 French chateau by completing various challenges.
Watch here.
Max, who originally made his name on Dragon’s Den, is known for co-hosting George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces and Fill Your House for Free with Kirstie Allsopp. This is the first time he’s been the lead presenter on a show.
“I’m not just the presenter,” explained Max. “I’m the host and judge, so I’m the one who has to decide who goes home after each challenge. It’s been very emotional.”
The show was filmed over four months in the summer of 2025 in a village in Normandy in Northern France.
“The locals were so accommodating,” said Max. “I immersed myself as much as I could in the local culture, but I only had one day off a week, so I didn’t pick up much of the language.”
The twenty-strong crew filmed the competing couples taking on specific challenges in specific rooms of the chateau, plus the contestants were also tested on their ability to host events and weddings.
In a complete coincidence, one of the couples taking part is also originally from Bedford.
Dan Clark and Sherilyn Carter appear in heat two of the show and told the Bedford Clanger that being part of it was an opportunity they couldn’t say no to.
“It was extremely tough and an insight into the world of TV,” said Dan.
“We really got the feel for what it could be like having a home/escape/business in France and fell in love with the Normandy countryside.
“Our favourite part of the challenge was being able to upcycle items or repurpose every possible piece of an antique purchase. Meeting, learning from and connecting with other passionate amateur DIYers. Sherilyn particularly enjoyed searching brocantes for hidden gems.
“We filmed it last April, so we have had to keep quiet and move on with life as if it didn’t happen. It’s fun to see it finally go live.”
Feel-good show
“It’s a real feel-good show, showcasing upcycling, design, creativity and human drama,” said Max.
“We were able to include lots of visits to flea markets and brocantes and every challenge had an upcycling factor.”
Max, who has a workshop in Cardington, is known for his passion for upcycling and repurposing items. He lives on a houseboat made from a converted shipping container and has recently transformed an old ambulance into a camper van, complete with a full-size shower, solar panels and a double bed.
“To go from living in a shipping container to filming in a chateau has been quite bonkers,” Max told the Bedford Clanger.
“The show is inspirational and aspirational, and the winners will go home with the keys to their own place in France. I hope the viewers enjoy it as much as we enjoyed filming it.”
