BBC ‘plagiarism’ row erupts as Channel 4 presenter George Clarke rages at new Helen Skelton project
Presenter and architect George Clarke has aimed a furious and public dig at the BBC, accusing the broadcaster of “plagiarism” over the announcement of its new property show.
Clarke, 50, shared a screenshot of an article about new series Forever Home, starring Helen Skelton and architect Patrick Bradley, slamming the show’s premise in the caption.
He furiously wrote: “What is that saying again?….oh that’s it…. ‘plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery’ #BUILDINGHOME #CHANNEL4 @channel4.”
It seems the presenter believes the show sounds similar to his show, George Clarke’s Building Home, which is described by Channel 4 as Clarke meeting “people uprooting their lives and testing their relationships to build wonderful homes of their dreams”.
The show sees see Clarke meeting people who are yearning to return to their old homes after moving away years previously.
A synopsis for the first episode of BBC’s upcoming series Forever Home reads: “Helen Skelton and architect Patrick Bradley meet a young couple leaving London to build their dream house by restoring a heritage cottage in their hometown in rural Wales.”
The BBC declined to comment when approached by GB News about Clarke’s post, with Skelton’s representatives also contacted.
Many flooded Clarke’s dramatic post with comments sharing their thoughts, with some supporting his stance and others telling him to “get over yourself”.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
George Clarke fans left ‘in bits’ as Channel 4 show guest dies after monumental home restoration: ‘What a legacy!’George Clarke issues plea to fans as he takes new measure following death of Channel 4 show guestChannel 4 star George Clarke flooded with support after knifepoint robbery news: ‘Could have been stabbed’
One penned: “Nobody tell him Kevin McClouds been doing Grand Designs for 30 years.”
“Oh get over yourself,” a second fumed, with another agreeing: “Has he never heard of mccloud or beeny they lead the way and made it easy for him eh George stop me when I’m wrong.”
However, others agreed with Clarke that the show was a copy of his programme, with one writing: “Flipping liberty ! Thing is though G, as good as Helen is at presenting its your knowledge, experience and expertise that makes your programs stand out.”
“This is only a positive thing, I love programmes like this there’s not enough of them,” another chimed.
“Don’t worry….. your programmes are AMAZING!” someone else assured him, with one more adding: “Ah yes, but they don’t have you fronting it, so it won’t be as good.” (sic)
The new BBC series is set to hit screens on Thursday, with the BBC Nothern Ireland’s commissioning editor Mary McKeagney stating: “We are delighted to bring this pilot to audiences across the UK.
Helen and Patrick bring positivity and expertise to the project as they follow the highs and lows of this build.
“We hope viewers enjoy watching them with first-time property renovators Jess and Colin as they painstakingly restore their historic cottage.”
Patrick McMahon, commissioning editor, Factual Entertainment and Events added: “Creating the perfect forever home for your family is a dream many relate to, it has been great working with the BBC Northern Ireland team to bring Jess and Colin’s story to BBC Two.
“The couple couldn’t have two more passionate and knowledgeable people following them through the process than Helen and Patrick – and we hope viewers will be rooting for them every step of the way as they embark on this challenging but inspiring journey.”
George Clarke’s Building Home aired in February this year. The architect left viewers in tears with one episode, which saw Clarke connect with young couple Chris and Ellie who were renovating Chris’s grandparent’s bungalow in Lancashire’s idyllic Ribble Valley.
Heartbreakingly, a photo tribute explained that Chris tragically passed away soon after the project and filming was completed.
Viewers were devastated by the news of Chris’ death and shared their thoughts on social media, expressing they were “in bits”.