It is the season to be jolly, but for TV presenter Kirstie Allsop filming her festive show at the very royal setting of Dumfries House proved a highly emotional affair.
The broadcaster – who brought her new series of Handmade Christmas to the 18th century mansion in Cumnock, Ayrshire, earlier this year – admitted it was a bittersweet experience after her father, Lord Hindlip, died in the summer aged 83.
The 53-year-old said: ‘My dad died in June, and he was a huge fan of the King and knew the history of Dumfries House.
‘It was very hard to be there and not be able to ring him up and ask him about the furniture, all of that kind of stuff.
‘I was staying at the hotel at Dumfries House and the decor was done by Annabel Elliot, who’s the Queen’s sister, and she was a great friend of my dad.’
She added it had been a ‘joy and privilege’ to stay at the ‘magical’ place, which is part of the King’s Foundation.
The star of multiple property shows organised a crafty competition judged by Scottish clothier Patrick Grant, of the Great British Sewing Bee fame.
From decorating the tree with broadcaster Kirsty Wark to handmade hampers and wreaths, she has drummed up support for crafts in series which first aired in 2014.
Kirstie Allsopp filmed this year’s Christmas shows at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland
Allsopp was joined by celebrity guests, including Kirsty Wark, to help judge festive crafting
The series was filmed at King Charles’ 18th century Scottish mansion Dumfries House
Ms Allsop tries her hand on all manner of trades as she delves into British Christmas traditions.
But the decision to film in Scotland was a departure from the norm, with the presenter posting series of pictures of the set earlier this year saying: ‘A few glimpses of @DumfriesHouse where we have been making the Christmas show this year, so grateful to be in this magical place, working with some of the lovely people who are ensuring this estate survives and thrives @KirstiesHandmadeChristmas.
‘Are you ready for the festive season?’
Ahead of the Channel 4 series screening, she said: ‘I’ve learned that everyone has a craft – I cannot knit or crochet, I really can’t – it’s the rhythmical nature of it. I just can’t keep it in my brain.
‘But it’s really part of me – of what I do.’
Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas is available on Channel 4’s streaming service.
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