While passionately leading the project to build their dream home, Grand Designs viewers were left in awe of the tragic passing of a famous artist who was suffering from terminal cancer.
Tributes have flooded in for a Grand Designs star, Pep, following the Channel 4 renovation programme’s revelation that she had died during filming after a courageous fight with cancer.
Viewers got to know Malene and her partner Pep, who were passionately leading the project to build their dream home, during Wednesday’s (October 22) episode of the reality series.
In a moving tribute to Malene’s Danish roots, they were creating their interpretation of a Viking Hall.
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Pep could enjoy the amount of time she had left before the house was built, according to presenter Kevin McCloud, who visited the couple. They were erecting the house as quickly as possible, along with an emotionally committed construction crew.
When Pep and Pep discussed their goals, Pep said, “We hope to build a building in that time because nine months is a good time to make babies.” Because I want to spend as much time there as possible, we must move forward.
Nevertheless, as the episode progressed and renovations were nowhere near completion, it was subsequently disclosed that despite the chemotherapy, Pep’s health was declining as Kevin revealed she had entered palliative care , reports the Express.
Pep and Malene were spot-on right away, the presenter said. The pair were surviving their way through a serious illness that Pep was having while also receiving Pep’s treatment for her cancer.
Kevin exclaimed, “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 informed that they would stop her treatment and that they would move her to palliative care.”
The star’s condition clearly deteriorated throughout the episode as she transitioned from being a confident inspector of the renovations to observing from the window. Malene later clarified that she is now more comfortable inside because she is currently experiencing the cold. She is suffering greatly, I am aware of that.
Tragically, Kevin later confirmed that Pep faced down her cancer diagnosis with a courage and determination that was inspiring, but in the final weeks of her journey she finally reached the end.
Devastated viewers were left in tears as they flocked to X/Twitter with tributes, with one writing: “The saddest #GrandDesigns I’ve ever seen. In tears here. Rest in peace lovely, brave lady.”
One viewer predicted: “I’ve got a bad feeling about this one… there are no “after” photos of the build with Pep before the revelation of her death. Another irritable viewer remarked, “Oh, #granddesigns is a terrible tearjerker.”
A third person said, “This is very poignant tonight. #granddesigns.” A fifth person said: “This has been a rather sombre #granddesigns episode,” while the other described the installment as: “A truly emotional tribute.”
After five months in Surrey Hill, Malene declared that she was determined to finish the project because Pep’s legacy was so important to her. She cried out, “I’m going to make sure that the construction is finished.”
