Down tools to watch this DIY showdown as amateur duos go head-to-head in a brand new TV challenge series, Dùbhlain DIY (Instructions Not Included).
Now airing each Monday at 8.30pm, the five-part BBC ALBA original series follows six pairs - made up of married couples, family members and friends - as they compete for a £2,000 cash prize and the Dùbhlain DIY champions title.
Inspiring the nation to ‘do it yourself’ in the name of sustainability, the innovative format will see rookie pairs battle it out in a series of home renovation tasks – with a twist. Without any instructions, demonstrations or even guidelines to follow, the couples will need to bring their differing strengths and creative talents to the competition to see who measures up.
Some may shine while others fall flat as they face a variety of themed challenges, but everything is to play for with one couple being eliminated each week, putting their skills – and relationships – to the test.
Hailing from across Scotland, the contestants include Isle of Lewis and BBC Radio Nan Gàidheal pals, actor Marisa MacDonald and An Lot crofter Donald Sweeny MacSween. South Uist cousins studying in Glasgow, Alasdair Campbell and Calum MacMillan are one of the other pairs bidding for the championship title.
From basic flat pack furniture to their own creations made out of recycled materials, their imagination will be allowed to run riot, before being tempered by materials, time constraints and often, their own abilities.
Hosted by TV and radio presenter Derek ’Pluto’ Murray, alongside main judge musician Iain ’Spanish’ MacKay – a skilled joiner by trade - the Gaelic duo ensure there will be plenty of laughs along the way. Enlisting the help of an expert guest judge each week, viewers can join in with the excitement and exasperation as the couples vie for the title, with a display of improvisation at its best.
Pluto said: “Get ready for the ultimate test of creativity, ingenuity, and skill with our new DIY competition, pitching challenges with the twist of “instructions not included” - as if flat pack furniture building wasn’t stressful enough! Although the competitors lack in instructions, they excel in enthusiasm and craic.”
Judge Iain added: “It’s a celebration of the country’s DIY culture - whether an amateur enthusiast or someone who has had to pick up a hammer out of necessity, Dùbhlain DIY will give the viewers something they can relate to, even if it’s just seeing the sheer frustration of attempting even the most basic of DIY tasks. While offering feel-good escapism, we hope it’ll inspire those at home to get out there and start a new project of their own.”
But which couple can prove to the nation that they have what it takes to be the first ever Dùbhlain DIY champions and still remain friends? Watch it to find out.
This is a joint project between Demus and Seaglass Productions, Dùbhlain DIY (Instructions Not Included) premiered on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Monday May 6. Weekly episodes available every Monday evening. Watch live or on demand.
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