TV presenters are starting to work from home, so naturally I ranked their rooms

With the familiar faces on our TVs suddenly appearing from their homes rather than a studio, we’re getting a glimpse into their lives like never before

There’s no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives, and this includes the TV shows we expect to tune into every week. While scripted shows are filmed months ahead, and are still adding a bit of drama to our evenings (has anyone else seen The Nest?!), programmes such as talk shows that are filmed live, usually in front of a studio audience, have had to make some adjustments in recent weeks.

While many are continuing to shoot in studios, albeit in front of empty audience seats, others have started to explore different formats that don’t require their presenters to physically be in the studio. As a result, we’re getting glimpses into the living rooms, kitchens, spare rooms and even garages of celebrities that we’ve never seen before.

Naturally, I started to take note of who had the most impressive WFH situation, and I give you my verdict, in descending order. Please note that my ranking system can be swayed by incredibly arbitrary preferences, such as the presence of pets, so do feel free to compile your own alternative list.

Gloria Hunniford, Loose Women

After her grandsons expressed concerns about her going out, 79-year-old Gloria decided to join the Loose Women panel via video link from her home. Although at the bottom of our list, Gloria’s room looks quite serene with all her neutral shades, but unfortunately we can’t really see many details. I’m curious to know what exactly that picture is of though. An angel perhaps?

Matt Baker, The One Show

I’ll be honest, Matt’s pheasant cushions are not for me, but they’re certainly in line with his nature-loving personality. Even if he’s not winning many points for interior design however, the appearance of his collie, Bob, certainly earns him a place on this list. Bob is very insistent on being petted, whether or not Matt happens to be broadcasting live on the BBC, which is especially comforting for those of us trying every day to keep our dogs quiet during our Zoom meetings.

Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show

Jimmy Fallon has adapted his popular chat show, dubbing it, “The Tonight Show: The Home Edition”, working in the confines of his home. He’s interviewing celebrities via video link, singing songs with his kids, and his wife, a producer, has taken on the role of director for the show. Again, Jimmy’s penchant for timber (and the seven dwarfs?!) is perhaps not giving me interiors envy, but the appearance of his kids and dog are well worth tuning in for, see example below for the levels of cuteness we’re talking about here.

It’s moments like these that are getting us all through self-isolation.

Steph McGovern, The Steph Show

This new Channel 4 show was planned to broadcast from a studio in Leeds, but has instead launched from its host’s living room. I’m a fan of Steph’s corner sofa, and her plant pots are adorable. The caricature of her in the background is also a funny personal touch, and shows she doesn’t take herself too seriously.

Ant & Dec, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway

This familiar duo have been on our screens for years, but we rarely see glimpses into their own lives. Viewers have been getting just that, however, as the pair hosted their Saturday night show from their living rooms. Although both are quite stylish, Ant’s room just wins it for me here, with its tasteful panelling, bright gallery wall, and the subtle BAFTA being used as a decorative objet.

Trevor Noah, The Daily Show

With a name change to “The Daily Social Distancing Show”, Trevor Noah is broadcasting from his New York home. We can’t see much of his living room, but he manages to do well on this list with the few things that we can. I love the textures of both his white sofa and the contrasting cushions. Those are also some very carefully curated shelves — this is a man who has thought very carefully about book placement, and I respect that.

Gary Lineker, Match of The Day 

Although Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright haven’t had any football games to analyse, they’ve been chatting instead about their top 10 players in a number of categories for the last few weeks (goalkeepers, captains, strikers, etc.) from Gary’s very impressive kitchen. I can’t decide which I’m more jealous of: the ceiling height, that beautiful (and enormous) dresser/pantry cupboard or his marble worktops. Who knew Gary had such impeccable taste?

Bryan Dobson, Morning Ireland

So it might be a slight cop-out to have a radio presenter as my winner, but I can’t stop thinking about Bryan Dobson’s WFH setup. Those bookshelves! That wall colour! He has a picture rail, for crying out loud. Bonus points for being snappily dressed when he’s not even on camera. A true working from home inspiration for us all.

Featured image: Have I Got News for You, BBC

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