Kevin McCloud reveals what happened to Grand Designs ‘most heartbreaking house’ after bereaved couple ran out of cash

PRESENTER Kevin McCloud has revisited one of the most emotional stories in the history of Grand Designs.

Channel 4 star Kevin has returned to the scene of one family's disastrous tear-jerking property tale, clouded in heartbreak.

Back for its 26th series, design guru Kevin has reconnected with couple Graeme and Melanie who appeared on the show in 2023 with the hopes of renovating their dream home.

The couple – who met through tragic circumstances after both their teenage daughters lost a parent – had visions of turning small garage plots in Hackney into their forever three-bedroom three-storey home for their blended family, daughters Isla and Indi.

Both girls lost a parent within weeks of each other and Graeme and Mel wanted the new home to be a fresh start for their grieving family.

Architect Graeme and graphic designer Mel had a maximum budget of £450,000, but they quickly ran into money troubles and problems while striving to build their perfect abode.

In September 2023, their Grand Designs dream looked as though it was on the way out.

Graeme admitted: “It’s a question mark as to how we find the finance – we don’t have the answer.

“The worst case for us not being able to afford to fund the remedial [work] is then being forced to sell it. We've spent £550,000.

“In terms of borrowing [we've] had to ask family and friends for contributions as well but it’s so close [to being finished] now.”

Mel said at the time: “Both girls have lost a parent so we are creating a brand new family from two families. It’s an ongoing process that Graeme and I are going through– and the girls.

“We try to address the past of course– you can’t just bury it and not address it, like all the different traditions in each family, we’re trying to keep them alive.”

Graeme added: “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done and truly unique to witness and be part of. We are two families in one house.”

Kevin told viewers in 2023: “‘No pain, no gain' is the motto of this project and then if you’re thinking they’ve had a difficult time building it, it is nothing compared to the pain this entire household has suffered on the way getting here, through bereavement and loss, somewhat puts the difficulties of building a house in proportion.

“And if you’re wondering whether or not this building delivers on its objectives set for it, whether or not it's helping this family thrive and flourish, whether it can make them happier, then let me tell you – yes it can. It’s already started.”

Fortunately, on his return to their Moroccan-inspired home to mark the new 2025 series, Kevin revealed: “It was always going to be terrifying for them but returning to see the completed building is always a wonderful bonus and a huge privilege.

“It's the embodiment of a journey.”

He added: “There's always a chance that they may run out of money. People are always worried about money.”

Speaking about the success of Grand Designs, Kevin admitted: “Longevity is a rare thing in telly. I still have a job. It's amazing after all this time.”