Mark Millar

Mark Millar: Background & Building Firm

Mark is from Northern Ireland and was raised in Belfast in the midst of the Troubles. He intended to train as a chef, but instead took up an apprenticeship as a carpenter. After 4 years, he left Ireland to head for London before settling in Bristol.

Mark runs his own building firm in Bristol, which continues to be extremely successful. He has many celebrity clients and has worked on projects all over the US and Europe.

BBC’S DIY SOS

In 1999, Mark was approached to present on the first series of a new BBC home improvement show – DIY SOS – in front of the camera, but he had to decline due to all the private work he was committed to. Six years on, he was asked again if he would like to become Project Manager for this hugely popular series, on camera and off, and he jumped at the chance. DIY SOS went on to become one of the most popular programmes on TV, and has received a BAFTA nomination for Best Features programme.

Behind the scenes of DIY SOS, Mark wasn’t just giving practical advice (such as how to fit weeks of work into just nine days). He also played a vital role editorially and on all production decisions. He visited every site and had a huge say in which stories made it to the screen.

Dream Kitchens And Bathrooms With Mark Millar

Following his success on BBC DIY SOS, in 2021 Mark took on a TV presenter role for a new home makeover show by Channel 5 – this time with his name on it. In Dream Kitchens and Bathrooms with Mark Millar, Mark guides ordinary homeowners through transforming the most important rooms in their houses. Mark brings his humour and expertise to this relatable show, as well as mucking in with every build.

Build Your Dream Home In The Country

In 2023, Channel 5 created a more ambitious building show, once again with Mark as the presenter. In Build Your Dream Home in the Country, Mark travels around the UK meeting people building their dream homes in the British countryside.

Thanks to his extensive experience as a project manager, Mark is able to not just follow their journeys, but lend a helping hand in every build. Mark’s passion for self-build projects shines through in his engaging presenting style and expertise.

Other Appearances And Projects

Mark is a familiar face on UK TV shows – he has appeared on Children in Need many times, and you may also have spotted him in Pointless Celebrities. He is also often invited to appear on radio shows as a DIY expert. In September 2020 he undertook a huge project in Swansea with DIY SOS and Children in Need, their biggest challenge yet, building the first-ever surf school adapted for people with disabilities as a piece of landmark architecture in just 11 days.

Outside work, Mark has a great passion for the outdoors. He was a springboard diver and won the all-Irish diving championships, and now enjoys wild swimming and hunting for great places to do it, kayaking, camping and getting to know the local creatures and nature surrounding him. He has taken his love of kayaking to the extreme, kayaking down some of the world’s most dangerous rivers. He also has a passion for motorbikes and for cooking using local British produce.