It's been a long time since we've had a new series of 'Room to Improve' so to keep the masses at bay, RTÉ aired 'Celebrity Home of the Year' last night for our judging pleasure.
The annual one-hour special saw 'Home of the Year' judging panel architect Hugh Wallace and award-winning interior designer Deirdre Whelan returning and introduced award-winning architect Peter Crowley.
They took a snoop around the homes of five well-known Irish faces last night: artist Robert Ballagh, broadcaster and entrepreneur Ramona Nicholas, writer John Boyne, meteorologist Jean Byrne and singer-songwriter, Eleanor McEvoy.
Needless to say, opinions were divided between the panel, particularly between Hugh and Peter, and of course those watching at home also had plenty to say.
God I love this programme, forget driving around the countryside looking at planning notices this is the best thing ever #celebrityhomeoftheyear
— Deirdre O'Shaughnessy (@deshocks) January 2, 2019
That orange kitchen. #celebrityhomeoftheyear pic.twitter.com/UslNaoZpkH
— Michelle de Norraig (@myshellybelle) January 2, 2019
I wish your man on #CelebrityHomeOfTheYear would either put his jumper on or just take it off completely. Him wearing around his shoulders is driving me nuts! #orangejumper
— Denis (@DisforDenis) January 2, 2019
At least Jean Byrne knows in advance if it will be a good day to have lunch in the conservatory or just sit by the fire. #CelebrityHomeOfTheYear
— Philip Nolan (@philipnolan1) January 2, 2019
If I wasn't mad about Ms Jean Byrne already a gorgeous home as well is there no end to the woman's talents #celebrityhomeoftheyear
— Urlofcork (@urlofcork) January 2, 2019
I’m so impressed Jean Byrne has a bidet! In Ireland! Can’t get that image out of my head now though #celebrityhomeoftheyear
— R ! C H (@richie_no_t) January 2, 2019
Shocked at the high marks for Donegal house -Robert Ballagh home was stunning #celebrityhomeoftheyear
— Liz Denieffe (@lizdenieffe) January 2, 2019
Peter respectfully giving his opinion on the 5th house. Hugh Wallace completely out of order. #bully #noyourplacenewguy #celebrityhomeoftheyear
— corkonion (@CorkBornEater) January 2, 2019
Peter and Hugh having words over those windows in house five. #celebrityhomeoftheyear pic.twitter.com/goFtQ99dSn
— Michelle de Norraig (@myshellybelle) January 2, 2019
Such a pity the architects get no credit on this program as per usual. #homeoftheyear #celebrityhomeoftheyear
— Emmett Scanlon (@Emmett_Scanlon) January 2, 2019
I actually cannot stop thinking about that ‘This is a Left Handed Door’ comment.
What does it even mean?! I #CelebrityHomeOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/rIJie751pt— TinyDavyQ (@tinydavyq) January 2, 2019
House number five is a bit notions-y. #celebrityhomeoftheyear
— Michelle de Norraig (@myshellybelle) January 2, 2019
Ultimately, it was John Boyne's home that reigned supreme.
I loved John Boyne’s home, well deserved winner #celebrityhomeoftheyear
— Bibi MacGowan (@BMacGo) January 2, 2019
Jean Byrne’s house with John Boyne’s books & home office with Ramona’s view would be my ideal house! #celebrityhomeoftheyear
— Helen Riddell (@helenriddell) January 2, 2019