Adrian Matthews

A programme which has grown from a 'me too ' show with builders trying too hard to be comedians into a kind of national institution. This trick was achieved by going large and, above all, finding a genuine heart. I used to watch Extreme Makeover - Home Edition to which this show obviously owes a debt. It was OK, but devalued by commercialism and constant product placement. The tradespeople were celebrated less than their companies, self interest confused with philanthropy, and too often the show seemed all about the designers and visiting celebrities over-emoting. By contrast DIY SOS concentrates on the people being helped and the ordinary people giving their own precious time and hard work. I've lost count of the number of times Nick Knowles (whose empathy has grown over the years) has told a grateful family member, 'Thank the volunteers, not us.' Donating companies remain anonymous. The regular stars have greatly dialled down the staged comedy, and any jeapordy is genuine. Not many reality shows are in any way real

A French friend's family owned a chateau in Mayenne. It had once been magnificent (not quite as fairytale as the Strawbriges' but not far off). However the first world war signalled the end of the old order, and when I stayed there two floors were completely derelict, while elsewhere was looking desperately faded, and the family was looking to sell up. I hope it found a Dick and Angel. France has no National Trust, and without the finances for a National Trust museum style careful restoration Dick and Angel's chateau would probably have crumbled into dust. The same is true of many others saved only because people of different nationalities have had the vision to lavish love and hard work on them. It is unfair to expect French culture in aspic from them - without their enthusiasm France would lose many of these wonderful places. Yes it is popular television. Yes the original aristocrats might be aghast at some of the budget details. But though I sadly lost contact with Jean I'm pretty sure his family would be more than happy to see a family with such obvious love for their erstwhile home bringing it back to life. And I for one have loved watching them do it.

Totally mad but for me totally engrossing. Just don't use it instead of reading Dickens. It seems to divide opinion but I found the random ethnicity of the cast disconcerting at the start but irrelevant by the end of the film.