Fitters get to grips with being in TV limelight

TV stars... Gary McDonald (left) and Stephen Diamond from Magic Carpets will appear on the make-over show later this month

THE small screen beckons for a bunch of Hathershaw carpet fitters after they were picked to star on a TV make-over show.

Steve Blackshaw, who owns Magic Carpets in Ashton Road, and employees Gary McDonald and Stephen Diamond supplied and fitted underlay and carpets at a house in Ormskirk for Channel Five show Cowboy Builders to highlight the high price some firms charge for essential grippers.

The show, which is presented by former glamour model Melinda Messenger and Dominic Littlewood, throws a lifeline to people whose homes have been left in a mess by dodgy workmen.

Steve, who took over the 50-year-old business in May, said: “It was an interesting experience being filmed doing your job. I’ve been in the carpet fitting trade for 35 years so I was recommended by friends in the trade to go on the show. Me and the lads were able to wear t-shirts with the shop name on and we will get a mention in the credits so it will be a bit of good publicity for us.”

The programme, which is Channel Five’s most watched show, will air later this month.