Channel 4 has unveiled details of its brand-new competition format, Chateau DIY: Win The Dream, with renowned designer, sustainability pioneer and TV personality Max McMurdo taking the helm as Head Judge.
Set to air in 2026 at 6pm on Channel 4, the 20-part series follows 12 pairs of contestants as they battle it out in a range of ambitious DIY, renovation, and event-hosting challenges. The ultimate prize: the opportunity to run their very own historic French property.
Filmed entirely on location in France, Chateau DIY: Win The Dream will see McMurdo – celebrated for his innovative upcycling projects and passion for sustainable living – lead the judging panel with a blend of expertise, wit, and creative flair. He will be joined throughout the series by a rotating line-up of beloved faces from Channel 4’s hit show Chateau DIY, including: Stephanie Jarvis, Terry and Ashley, Donna and Paul, Alison and Zion, Janet and Philip, Ben and Billie, Nick and Nicole.
Each week, the guest judges will bring their own experience of château life, helping to assess contestants’ vision, craftsmanship, and ability to turn a crumbling property into a thriving enterprise.
The format promises to deliver high stakes, emotional journeys, and jaw-dropping transformations, as contestants strive not only to prove their DIY skills but also their capability to host and manage events in the grandeur of a French château.
Produced by Spark Media Partners North, the series comes from an idea secured by Joff Hatfield-Powell, the company’s Chief Creative Officer, who also serves as Executive Producer. Channel 4’s senior Commissioning Editor for lifestyle, Jayne Stanger, commissioned the series with Director of Commissioning Nations and Regions, Jo Street (as exclusively reported by Broadcast in March 2025)
Speaking about the show, Max McMurdo said:
“It’s a privilege to be part of such an ambitious new series. I can’t wait for viewers to see how our contestants rise to the challenges and sometimes surprises, that château life brings. The creativity and determination on display has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Joff Hatfield-Powell added:
“With Max at the helm and our wonderful guest judges lending their insight, Chateau DIY: Win The Dream is both an authentic celebration of château life and an exciting new competition format. Viewers are in for a treat.”
Chateau DIY: Win The Dream will premiere on Channel 4 in 2026.