Dermot Bannon on feeling 'intimidated' meeting Joanne and Vogue

Celebrity architect Dermot Bannon, a household name in Ireland for his long-running series Room to Improve, has opened up about the unexpected emotional toll of his latest television venture. In his new RTÉ series, Celebrity Super Spaces, Bannon pivots from directing major home renovations to acting as a curious observer within the personal sanctuaries of some of Ireland's most famous faces. Despite his decades of experience navigating high-pressure construction sites and managing demanding clients, Bannon recently confessed that he felt genuinely intimidated and terrified upon meeting comedic powerhouse Joanne McNally and media personality Vogue Williams. This rare admission of vulnerability from the usually composed architect has sparked a massive wave of interest among fans eager to see the "Bannon-verse" collide with the high-energy worlds of these celebrity titans.

Dermot Bannon admitted to feeling intimidated while filming his new show, Celebrity Super Spaces, because he was stepping outside his comfort zone as a lead architect and into a role where he was a guest in the homes of major stars like Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams. He described having "butterflies in his stomach" and feeling "terrified" because he met these celebrities for the first time on camera, often after a period of mounting tension while waiting for technical setups to be completed on their doorsteps. This shift from being the expert in charge to a visitor exploring the personal design choices of others created a unique dynamic that Bannon found both nerve-wracking and revealing.

The Shift from Room to Improve to Celebrity Super Spaces

For years, viewers have watched Dermot Bannon take the lead in Room to Improve. In that format, Bannon is the authority figure—the architect with the vision, the budget constraints, and the professional expertise. He is the one delivering the hard truths to homeowners and guiding them through the chaotic process of turning a house into a home. However, Celebrity Super Spaces represents a significant departure from this established role. In this new series, Bannon is no longer the man with the blueprints. Instead, he is a guest, a witness to the finished products of other people's tastes and lifestyle choices.

This role reversal is central to why Bannon felt so out of his element. He explained that when he is "the architect," he has a job to do that provides a sense of security and purpose. In Celebrity Super Spaces, his purpose is to observe and react, which leaves him more exposed as an individual. The show focuses on the "super spaces" these celebrities have created for themselves, exploring what their homes reveal about their personalities, insecurities, and values. For Bannon, entering these highly personal environments without the shield of professional authority was a daunting prospect.

Meeting the Powerhouse Duo: Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams

Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams are two of the most influential women in Irish media today. As best friends and the duo behind the massively successful My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast, they possess a combined energy that is nothing short of formidable. For Dermot Bannon, the prospect of meeting them—especially within the intimate setting of their own homes—was enough to cause genuine anxiety. He noted that he had never met either of them before filming, and the pressure of the first meeting being captured on camera added to the stress.

Bannon described the filming process as a buildup of tension. He would often spend thirty minutes or more waiting on the doorstep while the crew set up lighting and microphones inside. By the time he was finally invited in, the anticipation had reached a fever pitch. "By that stage, the tension has built up so much it's horrendous," Bannon admitted. This "doorstep dread" contributed significantly to his feeling of being intimidated, as he had to walk into a house and immediately engage in meaningful conversation with a celebrity he had only just met.

Inside Joanne McNally's "Cool Garish" London Home

When Bannon finally crossed the threshold of Joanne McNally's home in Clapham, London, he was met with a space that perfectly mirrored the comedian's vibrant and unconventional personality. He described the decor as "flash," characterized by big, bright colours and oversized pieces. He used the term "cool garish" to encapsulate a style that prioritizes aesthetic impact over traditional functionality. For Bannon, the architect, this was a fascinating study in how a home can serve as an extension of a person's public persona.

One of the most talked-about revelations from Bannon's visit was Joanne's use of an air fryer as a key holder. Because she rarely cooks, the appliance served no functional culinary purpose and was instead repurposed for a practical everyday need. Bannon also observed that Joanne had sawed the legs off chairs that didn't fit her space rather than replacing them. While he joked about these choices, Bannon also offered a deeper psychological insight, suggesting that Joanne's "fear of being ordinary" drives her both in her career and in her design choices. He associated some of these unconventional moves with a sense of insecurity, but also acknowledged that this same drive is what makes her one of the hardest-working people he has ever met.

Vogue Williams and the Luxury of Presence

The experience at Vogue Williams' home in Howth was starkly different from the quirky solitude of Joanne's London pad. Bannon described Vogue's mansion as being "literally overrun" with family and friends. For Vogue, the definition of luxury isn't found in expensive furniture or architectural minimalism, but in the constant presence of loved ones. The house featured a "revolving door" of guests, creating a lively, bustling atmosphere that Bannon found both overwhelming and intriguing.

Bannon remarked on the "supernova of pink" that dominated the home's interior, noting that it felt very much like Vogue's territory. He even joked that her husband, Spencer Matthews, didn't seem to have much of a say in the design choices, making the house feel more like his "holiday home" than a shared residence. This observation highlights another key theme of the show: how individuals mark their territory within a home and what that says about the power dynamics and priorities within a relationship. Bannon, who prefers a more private and quiet home life, found the constant activity in Vogue's house to be a major point of contrast with his own preferences.

Celebrity Guest	Key Home Characteristics
Joanne McNally	"Cool garish" style, bright colours, air fryer as key holder, sawed-off chair legs.
Vogue Williams	"Supernova of pink," constant presence of family and friends, luxury defined by social connection.
Aidan Gillen & Camille O'Sullivan	Restored 1840s structure, nine-year "labour of love," focus on conservation and history.
Andrew Porter	Simple design in Wicklow mountains, inclusion of a custom-designed home gym.

Overcoming the Fear: Bannon's Personal Growth

The "terror" Bannon felt wasn't just about meeting famous people; it was about the vulnerability of being in a new role. He admitted that on the day the first episode was set to air, he was so nervous he "couldn't talk to anybody" and spent time walking up and down Dollymount Strand to manage his anxiety. This level of transparency is rare for public figures, and it has endeared Bannon even more to his audience. It shows that even after years of success, one can still face significant nerves when trying something new.

The process of filming Celebrity Super Spaces forced Bannon to adopt new techniques. He had to learn how to "step back" and let the homeowners lead the narrative. In Room to Improve, he is the driver; here, he is the passenger. This shift required a different kind of active listening and a willingness to be surprised. By embracing this intimidation and moving through it, Bannon has produced a series that is not just about houses, but about the human stories that inhabit them. It is a "feel-good filler" with genuine heart, providing a unique window into the lives of people we often only see through a curated lens.

The Cultural Impact of the "Celebrity Hang" Genre

Celebrity Super Spaces taps into a long-standing fascination with the "celebrity hang"—a genre that allows audiences to see public figures in a more relaxed and authentic setting. From Louis Theroux's early work to Ireland's own Living With Lucy, these shows succeed because they break down the wall between the star and the viewer. Bannon's contribution to this genre is unique because he brings the specific eye of an architect to the table. He isn't just asking about their lives; he is asking about their walls, their light fixtures, and their floor plans, and using those physical elements as a springboard for deeper conversation.

The show also highlights the "property porn" aspect of modern media consumption. We live in an era where we are constantly bombarded with images of "perfect" homes on Instagram and Pinterest. Celebrity Super Spaces provides a more nuanced view. It shows that even celebrity homes have quirks, impracticalities, and deeply personal (and sometimes "mad") design choices. This relatability is key to the show's success. It reminds viewers that a home is a work in progress, a reflection of a life lived, rather than just a staged set for a photograph.

Other Notable Visits in the Series

While the episodes featuring Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams have garnered the most headlines, the series features a diverse range of "super spaces." Bannon's visit to the Dublin home of actor Aidan Gillen and musician Camille O'Sullivan provided a look at a meticulously restored 1840s structure. This project, a nine-year "labour of love," recently won a prestigious conservation award, and Bannon's exploration of the space highlighted the importance of preserving historical integrity while creating a functional family home.

In contrast, the visit to rugby star Andrew Porter's home in the Wicklow mountains showcased a simpler, more modern approach to design. Porter's inclusion of a self-designed home gym provided a direct link between his professional life as an athlete and his personal environment. Each episode of Celebrity Super Spaces offers a different perspective on what makes a space "super," whether it's the history of the building, the vibrancy of the decor, or the people who fill the rooms. This variety ensures that the show remains fresh and engaging for a wide audience.

Dermot Bannon's Future Hit List

Given the success of the first series, Bannon is already thinking about who he would like to visit if there is a second season. He has expressed interest in people who have done something "unusual" with their homes, regardless of their level of fame. One person on his hit list is Dave Moore from Today FM, who built a "snore room" in his house. Bannon is particularly drawn to individuals who are "hands-on" and have personally designed and built unique features within their homes.

This interest reflects Bannon's core passion for design and architecture. While the celebrity element provides the initial draw, the heart of the show remains the exploration of how people interact with their physical environment. Whether it's a "Willyman" artwork in a living room or a custom-built snore room, Bannon is fascinated by the choices we make and what they tell the world about who we are. His willingness to admit his own intimidation only makes his journey through these spaces more compelling for the viewer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why was Dermot Bannon intimidated by Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams? He had never met them before and was stepping out of his comfortable role as the lead architect into a more vulnerable guest role.
• What is the name of Dermot Bannon's new show? The show is called Celebrity Super Spaces and airs on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
• What did Dermot think of Joanne McNally's home? He described it as "cool garish" and noted that her decor choices often prioritized looks over functionality.
• What was unique about Vogue Williams' home in Howth? It was characterized by a "supernova of pink" and was constantly filled with a large number of family and friends.
• Who else features in the Celebrity Super Spaces series? Other guests include Aidan Gillen, Camille O'Sullivan, Andrew Porter, Clodagh McKenna, and Chupi Sweetman.

Conclusion

Dermot Bannon's journey in Celebrity Super Spaces has provided a fascinating look at the intersection of architecture, personality, and celebrity culture. By admitting his own feelings of intimidation when meeting stars like Joanne McNally and Vogue Williams, Bannon has brought a refreshing level of honesty to the "celebrity hang" genre. His observations of their homes—from Joanne's "cool garish" London flat to Vogue's lively "supernova of pink" in Howth—offer deep insights into how our personal spaces reflect our values and insecurities. This series marks a successful evolution for Bannon, showing that even the most established experts can find growth and new perspectives by stepping outside their comfort zones and simply listening to the stories that houses have to tell.

Dermot Bannon on feeling 'intimidated' meeting Joanne and Vogue

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