Latest news with #LaurenceLlewelyn-Bowen
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Changing Rooms star's life from bitter divorce to managing a zoo after show ended
Designer Anna Ryder Richardson is best known for co-hosting the BBC reality show Changing Rooms alongside Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, but since the show came to an end she's been very busy Since her stint as the host of a popular 90s show that revolutionised British living rooms, Anna Ryder Richardson has embarked on an extraordinary journey since Changing Rooms ended in 2004. The interior design legend, Ryder Richardson, brightened up our screens alongside Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen in the BBC reality series that spanned 10 seasons. Her love for design was sparked while working at a children's interior shop, leading her to establish her own interior design company. She got her first major TV break with her own design segment on GMTV in 1996. During this period, she formed a friendship with celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot, who introduced her to some producers before she became one of the key designers on Changing Rooms. After the show wrapped up in 2004, Anna participated in I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2007 and was the sixth contestant to exit the jungle, reports the Mirror. But the jungle wasn't the only place where Anna encountered wildlife. In a surprising turn of events, she became the founder of Manor Wildlife Park, a zoo located in rural Pembrokeshire. Alongside her ex-husband, the designer purchased and revamped the zoo in 2008. Her remarkable mission to restore the site into a Welsh tourist attraction was documented in the TV series Chaos at The Zoo. Under their management, the zoo has seen significant improvements, including the construction of a £300,000 rhino house and the introduction of new species such as lions, zebras, and parrots. The couple's ownership of the zoo was never without its challenges, and it eventually took a toll on their relationship, leading to their divorce in 2017. In an interview with the Mail Online, they attributed the breakdown of their marriage to the "stresses and strains and expense of running our wildlife park have destroyed our marriage". Following their split, the pair became embroiled in a bitter public dispute over ownership, which Richardson described as a "horrid limbo". Speaking on the 'How To Be 60' podcast with Kaye Adams, the 61 year old shared: "I am enjoying a bit of celibacy, to be honest... but we've dived straight in there, haven't we? I'm officially still married for another few weeks. "It's been probably the worst time, I think. It's actually been going on for such a long time. Have I wasted all that time? Being in this horrid limbo and control and not really living my life, even though I look like them." However, in October 2024, the dispute appears to have been resolved, with Ryder Richardson returning to her role as manager of the zoo. In a statement, the former TV star expressed her excitement: "I am very excited, it has been a long time coming, but I am finally back with my beloved animals, incredible team, and excited to greet our visitors into the park. I have huge plans for the future of Manor Wildlife Park."
Wales Online
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Outrageous Homes is returning to Channel 4 and they're looking for Welsh people
Outrageous Homes is returning to Channel 4 and they're looking for Welsh people The popular property show is back - and they want to see the weird and the wonderful homes of Wales in all their glory, and the people who live in them Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen returns to Channel 4 for another season of 'Outrageous Homes' (Image: Channel 4 ) Channel 4's most fabulously flamboyant property series, 'Outrageous Homes' hosted by flamboyant former Changing Rooms designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, is back for a second series and this time, they're especially keen to hear from proud homeowners in Wales who would like to take part. Following the success of series one, which featured everything from a pirate party pad to a pink shrine and even a vampire fantasy lair — the upcoming series promises even more jaw-dropping spaces and the inspiring, often emotional stories behind them. Produced by IWC Media, the show will begin filming in May and June, 2025, and the team is now on the hunt for more bold, bonkers, and brilliantly bizarre homes across the UK. Article continues below From the eccentric and eclectic to the utterly unconventional, this is a celebration of homes — and owners — who live life unapologetically outside the box. The last season of Outrageous Homes saw the weird and the wonderful, including a Treasure Island themed home (Image: Channel 4 ) Speaking ahead of filming, presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen shared his excitement about diving back into the nation's weird and wonderful interiors. "Twenty-eight years ago when I filmed the first episode of Changing Rooms, I suspected that this nation wasn't actually the aesthetic blandscape it appeared to be and now, with Outrageous Homes Season Deux (The Glampire Strikes Back) I'll be up to the armpits in weird. "Homeowners who dare to be different are the beating heart of this celebratory telly feast and I can't wait to spend time with yet more carbon-based lifeforms who will never be afraid of living life THEIR way." Presenter, Lawrence, expressed his delight ahead of the latest season of Outrageous Homes (Image: Channel 4 ) Each of the four one-hour episodes will showcase homes that challenge convention and embrace individuality, with Laurence travelling the country to find those who've poured their personality into every square foot. Expect colour, drama, and lots of heart as he meets the people who have turned their homes into living works of art. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter If you live in Wales and believe your home could be one of Britain's most outrageous, this is your chance to shine. Article continues below Whether it's maximalist, themed, nostalgic, whimsical, or downright wild, the team wants to hear from you. Think your home is outrageous enough? Apply now by clicking here.
Scotsman
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Casting call for Channel 4 property show Outrageous Homes
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Channel 4 property show 'Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen' produced by IWC Media are on the lookout for people from around the UK for their second upcoming series filming over May and June 2025. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Channel 4 property show 'Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen' produced by IWC Media are on the lookout for people from around the UK for their second upcoming series filming over May and June 2025. Excited to be bringing the series back, Laurence said: "Twenty-eight years ago when I filmed the first episode of Changing Rooms, I suspected that this nation wasn't actually the aesthetic blandscape it appeared to be and now, with Outrageous Homes Season Deux (The Glampire Strikes Back). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I'll be up to the armpits in weird. Homeowners who dare to be different are the beating heart of this celebratory telly feast and I can't wait to spend time with yet more carbon-based lifeforms who will never be afraid of living life THEIR way.' Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen From the unusual and unconventional to the eccentric and eclectic, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen visits some of the UK's most outrageous homes and celebrates their proud-to-be-different owners and designers. This Spring he will be travelling the length of the country in search of fabulous, awe-inspiring and at times, jaw-dropping homes to discover what motivated the homeowners to dare to be different, plus hearing about the blood, sweat and tears that brought the home to life. The series delivers four one-hour episodes where Laurence visits homes that have a different approach to a room that's both bold and brilliantly bonkers with a truly unique story behind each one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In series one of Outrageous Homes, he explored properties that had a pirate party pad, a pink shrine and even a vampire fantasy lair. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen The new series will be a joyous celebration of the unique, the wonderful and the truly outrageous. IWC Media are looking for people who would love to celebrate their home and showcase them to Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and the Great British public this spring/summer. People can apply below on the link or by scanning the QR code:
Scotsman
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Casting for Channel 4 Property Show Outrageous Homes
Channel 4 property show 'Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen' produced by IWC Media are on the lookout for people from around the UK for their second upcoming series filming over May and June 2025. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Channel 4 property show 'Outrageous Homes with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen' produced by IWC Media are on the lookout for people from around the UK for their second upcoming series filming over May and June 2025. Excited to be bringing the series back, Laurence said: "Twenty-eight years ago when I filmed the first episode of Changing Rooms, I suspected that this nation wasn't actually the aesthetic blandscape it appeared to be and now, with Outrageous Homes Season Deux (The Glampire Strikes Back) I'll be up to the armpits in weird. Homeowners who dare to be different are the beating heart of this celebratory telly feast and I can't wait to spend time with yet more carbon-based lifeforms who will never be afraid of living life THEIR way.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From the unusual and unconventional to the eccentric and eclectic, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen visits some of the UK's most outrageous homes and celebrates their proud-to-be-different owners and designers. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen This Spring he will be travelling the length of the country in search of fabulous, awe-inspiring and at times, jaw-dropping homes to discover what motivated the homeowners to dare to be different, plus hearing about the blood, sweat and tears that brought the home to life. The series delivers four one-hour episodes where Laurence visits homes that have a different approach to a room that's both bold and brilliantly bonkers with a truly unique story behind each one. In series one of Outrageous Homes, he explored properties that had a pirate party pad, a pink shrine and even a vampire fantasy lair. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The new series will be a joyous celebration of the unique, the wonderful and the truly outrageous. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen IWC Media are looking for people who would love to celebrate their home and showcase them to Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and the Great British public this spring/summer. People can apply below on the link or by scanning the QR code:
BBC News
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Free Blackpool Lightpool Festival to be extended for half-terms
Blackpool's annual Lightpool Festival will be extended this autumn so more people can visit during the half-term art installations, live performances, 3D projection shows and family-friendly activities will form an illuminated trail taking visitors on a journey around the town free event, now in its 10th year, will run from 15 October to 1 November."We know not all schools break up for half-term at the same time and many of you told us how disappointed you were to miss out on this year's Lightpool Festival because of the original dates," said Visit Blackpool. "So, we've made a change!" The festival, which is staged across a range of indoor and outdoor venues, coincides with the Blackpool year's Lightpool boasted 22 artworks and projection shows, including installations from France, Finland and resort's main thoroughfare - the Golden Mile - featured 21 neon lighting features designed by TV's Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, a trio of huge jellyfish on the promenade, and an illuminated Carnival inside the Tower by Arts Council England, the art trail will be illuminated every evening from 18:00 to 22:00. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
