“I don’t think I'd ever been so happy…I couldn't believe it was happening”. This is how Cheltenham's latest TV star Matt Smith-Wood described his time on the show ‘Interior Design Master’s with Alan Carr’.
With a likeable charm and a smile that instantly makes you feel at ease, it’s no wonder Matt was successful in bagging the chance to appear on the show, which has so far had two episodes aired. The camera loves him and it’s no wonder why. A self-proclaimed chatterbox, Matt’s bubbly personality along with his ambition and desire to become a successful designer, makes him the perfect candidate for the fifth series of the show.
Being creative was when Matt always felt his true self. He studied an art foundation at Stroud College and then went on to do Interior architecture and design at Coventry University. Despite being interested in all different artistic areas, interior design is where his love really lies, “I’ve always wanted to be a designer of any kind but it’s interior design I love because it’s useful, people interact with interiors every day whether they like it or not”. When talking about interior design, Matt’s eyes lit up with excitement, he was obsessed! It was admirable and inspiring to listen to him talk about his trade with such passion and devotion.
Laughing his way through the interview with a light-hearted demeanor, it is easy to see that Matt floats through life with an easy going attitude, taking each opportunity as it comes. He decided to apply to the show on a whim after his mum showed him an episode “ I thought maybe i'll apply… it started off very unserious”. When I asked if he thought he had a chance of being successful he humbly replied, “Never, never , never!”.
After a competitive application process and interview in London, Matt found himself to be one of ten chosen to be a part of this year's show. Having never been filmed before he described the first time being “really weird” but not as scary as he had thought. It was no surprise to me that Matt said he felt natural behind the camera, “ You’re so stressed about getting the design done and not getting kicked off the show, you almost forget the cameras are there”.
Those who have kept up to date with the show so far can see Matt’s true cheerful self shining through, he speaks of how he stayed completely authentic when he was on the show, “They’re going to see the undiluted version of me because I was just myself ”.
With his thick curly hair, striking smile and powerful scent of cologne, Matt is a star in the making. Yet not only does he have the looks of a TV star, he also has the talent. Fans of the show are rooting for him to win after him having two successful weeks on the show, with lots of positive feedback from both the judges and the viewers.
Matt speaks highly of presenter, Alan Carr, who is also known for his show ‘Chatty Man’ and for being a judge on Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK. He showed me his pitch perfect impression of the presenter, imitating his manner flawlessly before speaking about his experience with him, “I can honestly say when the cameras are off he doesn't change, what you see is what you get, he's really funny, he can pluck jokes out of thin air”. Matt also formed a close-knit bond with the rest of the cast and said how being a part of such a unique experience made them all become good friends, “It really bonded us because it’s so stressful, I definitely made some friends for life”.
Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr will remain an unforgettable experience for Matt. His time on the show has given him cherished memories, new friendships and different perspectives that can help him on his journey, “I had a massive confidence boost on the show because it's so exciting and your adrenaline is pumping…I was so happy , it was so special and the crew were so lovely”.
Matt looks forward to his future in interior design , with the show no doubt acting as a powerful stepping stone in his career. He hopes to get involved with commercial projects such as cafes, restaurants and boutique hotels. More TV appearances could also be on the horizon for Matt, “ I would love to do more TV work, things related to interior design , I would love to have a segment on someone's show”.
Daisy Bodkin