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Interior Design Masters was 'stressful but fun'

Caroline Gall,West Midlandsand
Lee Blakeman,BBC Radio Stoke
BBC Alan Carr is sat down on a red settee wearing a brown jacket and grey trousers. He is sat next to judge Michelle Ogundehin, who is dressed in a cream jacket and matching skirt. They are joined by ten people, who are all contestants on the series Interior Design Masters. Sophie from Stoke on Trent is among the contestants and is second left in the photograph. She has long red hair and is wearing a yellow shirt, patterned red trousers and a brown gilet. Ben, from Kinver, is stood behind the red sofa with his arms folded, wearing a beige hoodie.BBC
Sophie (second left) and Ben (with arms folded) said they had a great time taking part in the series

Two designers taking part in the latest series of the BBC's Interior Design Masters have revealed what it was like to be on the show.

Sophie, from Stoke-on-Trent, and Ben, from Kinver in Staffordshire, are among 10 contestants appearing on the popular BBC One series.

The pair said they had a great experience and enjoyed being around presenter Alan Carr and were looking forward to seeing it when it is aired on Tuesday evening.

"At the start it's quite intimidating because there's loads of cameras pointing at you and you're just like, 'oh, where am I supposed to look'.. but eventually you get used to it and it becomes just part of your daily routine," Ben said.

Ben is wearing a beige hooded top and has tattoos on his neck and had short brown hair.
Ben said he was very "chilled" throughout the series

Ben, who builds outdoor furniture through his business in Stourbridge in the West Midlands, described his style as "antique, historical, quirky" and that he was a fan of Queen Elizabeth II.

He said his main motivation to join the programme was to "get his name out there" so he can build up his career.

"I would probably say I was the most chill person on this year," he said.

"I was very laid back, but obviously it does get stressful. I had a great time and I enjoyed every moment of it. It was good to be a part of it.

"Nothing really phases me so I was quite happy going about my business getting on with it," he added.

Sophie is wearing a yellow top with a brown waistcoat over the top. She has long red hair.
Sophie said she had seen the episode and thought it was great

Sophie, who described her style as "rock & roll maximalist" said the designers all felt the pressure of creating something within a time limit and budget each week.

"It is stressful but it's the most fun I've ever had."

She said she had discussed what happened on the programme with their "nearest and dearest" but overall it had been a "hard secret to keep".

She and her fellow competitors have been able to watch the first episode.

"It's really good fun. It's funny. I'm excited for everyone to watch," she explained.

She said presenter Carr was "the loveliest guy".

"Exactly what you see on TV is exactly how he is. He's just a delight," she added.

She said seeing him come to visit them during their work on the programme "instantly cheered you up".

"He's a lovely guy to have around," she added.

Interior Design Masters is on BBC One on Tuesday at 20:00 BST.

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