Big fan of interior design? Did one DIY project lead to another during lockdown, and now you’re a bit of a professional?
Reckon your home could be considered “outrageous” enough to be on TV?
Well, Channel 4 has announced that a brand-new series is on the way from Salford-based production company, Beyond Productions North, and according to the synopsis, it’s set to see presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen – called “the king of interior design” – celebrate our great British visionaries, our cherished eccentrics, and most-importantly, our proud-to be different homeowners.
The four-part series, titled Outrageous Homes, will meet people across the country who are said to “value originality” and “decorate their homes without fear”.
With a casting call now open and people from Greater Manchester urged to get in touch, Laurence will visit properties across the UK with wild, wonderful, and “truly outrageous domestic decor” to discover why the homeowners dare to be different with their designs, and how they did it, as well as delving into how much it all cost.
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Along the way, Laurence will also meet some of the architects, designers, and decorators who helped bring the bold and creative visions to life too.
“There is no such this such thing as bad design,” Channel 4 insists.
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.@LlewelynBowen is to explore the UK's most Outrageous Homes in a new series for @Channel4. We're talking original, bold and truly outrageous domestic décor.
Speaking ahead of the filming of the new series, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said: “At last, a property show that turns its back on delusions of blandeur and instead celebrates homes that take OTT to another level of fabulous.
“In fact, we’ll be filming in spaces of such outrageousness, that I’ll be the most understated thing on screen.”
“This is an altogether different property series, so as the epitome of extravagance and eccentricity, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is the perfect person to host it,” added Deborah Dunnett – Commissioning Editor for Channel 4.
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“Who wants uniformity anyway?”
Outrageous Homes will meet people who “decorate their homes without fear” / Credit: Steph Wilson | David Pisnoy (via Unsplash)
Damon Pattison – Creative Director at Beyond Productions – continued: “We’re all guilty of following design trends, so by taking a sneak peek into this fabulous world of homeowners who decorate to their heart’s desire, we hope to inspire the nation to do the same.”
Ready to show your “outrageous” home off in all its glory then?
To apply to take part in the series, you can request to have an application form sent to you by emailing: homes@beyond-productions.co.uk
England winger Jadon Sancho looks like he’s coming back to Manchester United, at least for the time being, following his stint at Chelsea, with the Premier League club opting to pay a penalty in order to avoid signing him full-time.
Sancho was loaned out to the UEFA Conference League winners just over a year ago after falling out with the previous Man United head coach, Erik ten Hag, playing 42 games for the West Londoners.
The naturally gifted winger, who was considered one of the hottest prospects in Europe just a few short years ago, also pulled back on a Borussia Dortmund shirt for a six-month loan spell in January 2024, but his return was never made permanent either.
In the case of Chelsea, despite having an obligation to buy Sancho when they initially signed him last summer, the deal – worth a reported £25 million – included a £5m clause which would allow them to get out of said obligation: a clause that owner Todd Boehly’s club has seemingly to have activated.
BREAKING: Jadon Sancho will return to Manchester United after failing to agree to personal terms with Chelsea 🚨 pic.twitter.com/1F55sXWoT4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 3, 2025
As per the likes of The Athletic, Sancho is set for a return to MUFC and Carrington as he waits to see what the INEOS administration and new manager Ruben Amorim (who is yet to have the 25-year-old among his options since arriving at Old Trafford) do with him.
It remains to be seen whether or not the former Man City youth star will make another appearance at the Theatre of Dreams itself, but with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said to be strapped for cash and yet still looking to bring in new players, they’ll be hoping at least fetch a decent fee for the him.
Sancho registered five goals and 10 assists during his time at Stamford Bridge, and despite perhaps not lighting the world on fire, he proved to be a useful addition to the squad and contributed in some big moments – that recent European final being the standout this season.
Nevertheless, it is believed that Chelsea were unwilling to match the salary paid by his parent club, with the one-time national team starlet said to be on weekly wages of around £300,000, according to reports.
Born in the capital himself, Sancho grew to be favoured by a sizeable portion of the supporters, and while the Man United fan base is pretty divided when it comes to Sancho coming back, there are plenty of Blues that will miss him.
Meanwhile, regardless of his return to United, Sancho being moved on rather quickly looks the most likely outcome now that the summer transfer window is open.
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.
Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.
From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
Manchester Day is back on Saturday 26 July. 🎉
Inspired by music, expect pop-up performances, spontaneous sing-a-longs and have-a-go activities. 🎶
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 2, 2025
As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.
Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.
“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.
“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”
Emily Sergeant -
7th June 2022 
