Grand Designs star dies as tributes flood in from devastated Channel 4 fans

Tributes have poured in for a Grand Designs star, Pep, after the Channel 4 renovation programme revealed that she had passed away during filming after a brave battle with cancer. During Wednesday's (October 22) episode of the reality series, viewers were introduced to Malene and her partner Pep, who was living with terminal cancer while passionately spearheading the project to build their dream home. They were building their take on a Viking Hall in a touching nod to Malene's Danish heritage.

Presenter Kevin McCloud met with the couple, who, alongside an emotionally invested construction team, were building the house as quickly as possible, so Pep could enjoy what time she had left in the finished home. Speaking to him about their goal, Pep said: "Nine months is a good time, you can make babies in nine months, so we hope to make a building in that time." She added: "We need to get through it because I need to have as much time to live in it as possible." However, as the episode continued and renovations were far from over, it was soon revealed that despite the chemotherapy, Pep's health was deteriorating as Kevin revealed she had entered palliative care.

The presenter shared: "Right from the beginning, Pep and Malene were absolutely clear. Pep was living with a serious illness, and the pair of them were managing their way through it, with, of course, Pep's treatment for her cancer."

After a deep sigh, Kevin continued: "However, in the last week Pep has had one of those meetings with her doctors that any of us would dread, in which she was told that they would be stopping her treatment and they would be moving her to palliative care."

During the episode, the star changed significantly as she went from assertively leading the renovations to watching from the window, as Malene confirmed: "She's less outside because she really feels the cold now. I know how much pain she's in."

Sadly, with the renovation incomplete, Kevin later confirmed: "Just short of three long years, Pep faced down her cancer diagnosis with a courage and determination that was inspiring, but in the closing weeks Pep finally reached the end."

Heartbroken viewers were overcome with emotions as they took to X/Twitter with tributes, one penned: "The saddest #GrandDesigns I've ever seen. In tears here. Rest in peace lovely, brave lady."

Before her death was revealed, one predicted: "I've got a bad feeling about this one... there are no 'after' photos of the build with Pep."

Another emotional viewer remarked: "Oh, #granddesigns is a terrible tearjerker." A third echoed: "Bloody hell, #granddesigns is very poignant tonight."

One described the episode as: "A truly emotional tribute," as a fifth wrote: "This has been a rather sombre #granddesigns episode."

Returning to Surrey Hill after five months, Malene revealed she was determined to finish the build without Pep and declared: "It's extremely important for me to finish the project for Pep's legacy. " Fighting back tears, she added, "I am going to make sure that build gets finished."

Malene did just that, and Kevin was astounded to see the completed house upon his return. He praised: "Congratulations, because it is a seamless, beautifully tailored, modest, powerful thing. I actually love it!"

As for her hopes, the star shared: "From being a dream home, suddenly the building has become a place for healing and a sanctuary. The energy there is very, very special and I have to say it's completely changed me inside as a person and how I feel.

"I think that now the house is not going to be a home for me and Pep as a couple for the rest of our lives, I feel very strongly that it will become a place for healing and sanctuary. Not just for me, for Pep's family and for other people coming into my life. I think that's really, really special."