RTE have made a major shake-up to the popular show Home of the Year, with one judge exited and her replacement revealed
The RTE series that showcases Ireland’s most jaw-dropping houses has received a re-jig ahead of its return to screens next month.
Home of the Year returns for series 11 next month[/caption]
Siobhan Lam will be joining the show making her TV debut[/caption]
One of the show’s long-time judges, Sara Cosgrove, will be exiting Home of the Year ahead of its eleventh series.
The renowned interior designer was known for her bold work that included collaborations with Harrods‘ owner Mohamed Al-Fayed and A-Lister, Bruce Willis.
Taking her spot on the show is entrepreneur and store owner Siobhan Lam.
Siobhan operates a well-known lifestyle and interiors store, April and the Bear, in Rathmines, Dublin.
Siobhan exclusively told the Irish Sun she’s beyond excited to be the newest judge, saying: “Interiors should be about personality, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of design and I can’t wait to see how these Irish homeowners bring their homes to life – I’ll be looking for homes with clever design and bursting with personality!”
The designer will be in good company as she joins the show alongside long-standing judge, Hugh Wallace.
The 68-year-old has been with the show since its inception on the national broadcaster – back in 2015.
Ahead of his return, Hugh said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be back on the judging panel this year and especially excited to be working alongside the brilliant Siobhan Lam, whose eye for interiors is second to none.
“And, of course, I’m looking forward to plenty of lively debates with my fellow judge Amanda Bone—we don’t always agree, and we certainly go ‘toe to toe’ at times, but that’s what makes the judging process so engaging.
“We’re all passionate about great homes, and I can’t wait to see what this year’s competition brings!”
Also returning to the show next month will be architect Amanda Bone, who runs Amanda Bone Architects, based in Dundrum.
Bone first joined the show in 2022, which also marked her first time on TV.
Siobhan’s past experience as a renowned designer will benefit her as she, Hugh and Amanda, judge some of the most impressive homes across Ireland.
SHOW RETURN
The trio will be looking for individuality, functionality and clever design, as they will each score the homes out of 10.
The home with the highest combined score in each programme will go through to the final, where The Home of the Year will be crowned.
Season 11 will feature 21 stunning homes in the counties of Carlow, Cork, Derry, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wicklow.
From re-imagined semi-detached houses to architectural marvels and restored period homes, the series promises to inspire viewers with a diverse range of design styles.
Home of the Year will return to screens Tuesday, February 18th at 8.30 pm for eight brand new episodes every week on RTE One and RTE Player.
