A HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEK - Designing The Hebrides

There is still someone at the BBC who has got their head screwed on right. Whoever decided to commission this programme, giving Banjo Beale, last years brilliant winner of Interior Design Challenge, his own makeover show, well, they should be given some sort of award. Banjo is such a gift to the nation, a natural TV presence. Someone who its very easy to spend half an hour with. Whilst he tries to convince himself as much as his clients, that he should proceed with his adventurous design ideas.

Banjo is that rare thing in modern television, a genuinely nice guy.  Its encouraging to see how such a lovely man, struggling so much with his self confidence, can nonetheless be such a bold designer. Watch him cope so assuredly and resourcefully, when everything does not go according to plan. Whether he's thousands to spend upgrading a smokehouse or hundreds smartening up a bothy. He's such an ordinary humble bod, that we all can identify with and feel inspired by. 

The programmes are set on his home turf of the Hebrides, which will provide a huge boost to the Hebridean tourist industry. With those ¡sweeping picturesque shots over its islands. Panoramic landscapes set against the blue of its summer skies. You just find yourself longing to go stay there for a while. The place looks stunning. As are Banjo's design interiors. Undoubtedly this will give his career a huge boost as a designer, but also one certainly hopes as a TV presence.