Your time to shine – how to apply to get on a TV show

Left to right: Jane Larmour, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, Patricia McGinnis and James Fairley from BBC Northern Ireland’s House of the Year TV show. Photo: BBC Northern Ireland.

If you’ve ever dreamed of having your home featured on TV, now’s your chance.

A number of TV shows are currently on the lookout for NI and ROI homeowners to take part in their latest series, from Room to Improve to BBC NI’s House of the Year.

Whether you’ve built your dream home from scratch, need expert help transforming a space, or have recently bought a property at auction, there could be an opportunity for you. Here’s a roundup of the latest casting calls and how to apply.

Latest update: February 2025

Apply to appear on a TV show in NI

House of the Year (BBC Northern Ireland)

BBC Northern Ireland is looking for entries for its next House of the Year series. From cosy cottages to ambitious new builds, the show wants to feature homes that reflect their owners’ personalities and creativity.

How to apply: Enter via the House of the Year Website.

Who can apply? Homeowners and renters (with property owner’s consent) whose home is their primary residence.

What to expect? Host Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and expert judges will visit shortlisted homes to determine which one will be crowned House of the Year.

Closing date: February 14, 2025

See who bagged the House of the Year 2024 accolade here.

DIY SOS (BBC One)

The DIY SOS team, led by Nick Knowles, is searching for new projects. If you or someone you know needs a life-changing home renovation, this could be the perfect opportunity.

How to apply: Fill in the online application form here.

Who can apply? Homeowners or community centres in desperate need of renovation. Local tradespeople can also volunteer to take part.

Closing date: December 19, 2025.

Homes Under the Hammer (BBC One)

One of the UK’s most popular property shows, Homes Under the Hammer, is looking for successful property auction bidders who want to feature their renovation journey on TV.

How to apply: Email homesunderthehammer@liontv.co.uk.

Who can apply? Anyone over 18 years of age who has recently purchased a property at auction and plans to renovate it.

Closing date: Ongoing applications

Apply to appear on a TV show in ROI

Room to Improve (RTÉ One)

Ireland’s much-loved Room to Improve is back and searching for new projects. If you need the expertise of architect Dermot Bannon to transform your home, now’s the time to apply.

How to apply: Apply online via COCO Television’s TV application portal.

Who can apply? Homeowners in Ireland who need an architect’s vision to redesign their house.

Closing date: Ongoing applications

Home Rescue (RTÉ One)

Are you drowning in clutter? Home Rescue is returning to help people reclaim their homes and transform their living spaces. The show tackles clutter head-on and renovates two of the worst rooms in each home.

How to apply: Submit an application online via COCO Television’s TV Application Portal.

Who can apply? Homeowners in Ireland who need serious decluttering and a fresh start.

Closing date: Ongoing applications

Currently closed for applications

While applications for some shows are currently closed, it’s worth keeping an eye on this page for future opportunities like:

The Great House Revival (RTÉ One)

Home of the Year (RTÉ One) – see who won the 2024 accolade here

DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland (RTÉ One)

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Heather Campbell

Written by Heather Campbell

Heather is Selfbuild magazine's deputy editor. She has over 20 years’ experience writing for various newspapers and magazines such as the Belfast Telegraph. Living and working abroad for a number of years, she loves exploring new cultures and experiencing different ways of life, which often serve as inspiration for her writing.

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