Couple in 'miserable' home put Phil Spencer 'in his place'

Kirstie Allsopp playfully remarked that Phil Spencer got "put in his place" by a couple on Channel 4's Love It or List It. The beloved show fronted by property gurus Kirstie and Phil has returned for another season.

The dynamic duo roam across the UK challenging partners to either love their home or list it, with Phil suggesting new homes as alternatives while Kirstie revamps their current dwelling to showcase its true potential without moving. The premiere of the tenth series graced screens on Wednesday, January 8, on Channel 4 as the pair headed to the North West to assist Carl and Katy with their "freezing" and "miserable" abode.

The episode introduced viewers to Katy and Carl, residents of a "cold" and "draughty" three-bed Edwardian semi in Chester. With Carl working from home, he described his work setting as "just freezing", leading to a rather "miserable" experience.

The family had settled into the property seven years prior, predating their expansion to include a four year old and a nine-week old baby.

The house hunt started during the chilly months, prompting Phil to quip to shirt-wearing Carl, accustomed to his cold home office: "You're wearing a shirt because you're used to working from home in your cold, old house," reports the Liverpool Echo.

Carl and Katy's home underwent a "massive renovation" costing £75,000 over nine months. Kirstie added an extra wall to prevent draughts and a large loft extension, creating two new double bedrooms and a shower room.

After seeing the potential of their current home, Katy and Carl felt "muddled-up" and said they had "a lot to think about" before making a decision. Opting to stay in their newly-renovated home, Kirstie joked that Katy had put Phil "in his place" as the mother-of-two showcased the now five-bedroom house, which included a well-insulated study for Carl.

Prior to the extension, the couple's home was valued at £335,000, but it is now worth £463,000, adding £128,000 in value. Unsurprisingly, the couple were "incredibly proud" and chose to 'love' their home, rather than list it.