[Amy]

I found this on Ananova
BBC launches 'Pop Idol' for buildings

BBC2 is to run a reality TV show featuring crumbling buildings instead of contestants.

Restoration will profile 30 historic British landmarks and give each the chance to win a multi-million pound make-over.

Each will be championed by a celebrity and a public vote during a live show in September will decide the winner.

The series will be presented by Griff Rhys Jones. Actor Richard E Grant and newsreader Fiona Bruce are two of those who will champion a building.

The final restoration will be partly funded by money raised through the phone votes, plus donations and grants.

The buildings include the Victoria Baths in Manchester; Poltimore House in Devon; Bethesda Chapel in Stoke-on-Trent; Greyfriars Tower in Norfolk; Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast; Llanelli House in Llanelli, Wales; Broomfield House in Enfield, north London; Kinloch Castle in Rum, Scotland; Easthouse croft in Shetland; Wentworth Castle near Barnsley, South Yorkshire; and a TB sanatorium in Aberdeenshire.

BBC2 controller Jane Root said: "One historical monument has been lost in the UK every day since the end of World War Two.

"Restoration will throw a timely spotlight on the thousands more still at risk and offer the audience a chance to save one of these buildings and make their mark on history."


Story filed: 10:32 Wednesday 19th March 2003

[Romantic Old Bird]

Originally posted by Amy


The series will be presented by Griff Rhys Jones. Actor Richard E Grant and newsreader Fiona Bruce are two of those who will champion a building.

I LOVE Richard E Grant! Have you seen the spoof Food programme shorts with him and Arabella Weir as a couple of ghastly snobs? It's called POSH NOSH! Very funny!