‘Tis the season to be jolly, but for TV presenter Kirstie Allsop, filming her festive show in the very royal setting of Dumfries House proved to be a very emotional affair.
The broadcaster – who brought her new series of Handmade Christmas to the 18th century country house in Cumnock, Ayrshire, earlier this year – admitted it was a bittersweet experience after her father, Lord Hindlip, died in the summer aged 83.
The 53-year-old said: “My father died in June and he was a big fan of the King and knew the history of Dumfries House.
‘It was very difficult to be there and not be able to call him and ask him about the furniture and things like that.
‘I stayed at the hotel at Dumfries House and the furnishings were done by Annabel Elliot, the Queen’s sister, and she was a good friend of my father.’
She added that it was a “joy and privilege” to stay at the “magical” place, which is part of the King’s Foundation.
The star of several real estate shows organized a crafty competition led by Scottish clothier Patrick Grant, of Great British Sewing Bee fame.
From decorating the tree with broadcaster Kirsty Wark to handmade baskets and wreaths, she has raised support for crafts in series that first aired in 2014.
Kirstie Allsopp filmed this year’s Christmas shows at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland
Allsopp was joined by celebrity guests including Kirsty Wark to help judge festive crafts
The series was filmed at King Charles’ 18th-century Scottish country home Dumfries House
Mrs Allsop tries her hand at all kinds of crafts as she delves into British Christmas traditions.
But the decision to film in Scotland was a departure from the norm, with the presenter posting a series of photos from the set earlier this year, saying: ‘A few glimpses of @DumfriesHouse where we shot the Christmas show this year, so grateful for be in this magical place and work with some of the lovely people who ensure this estate survives and thrives @KirstiesHandmadeChristmas.
“Are you ready for the holidays?”
Ahead of the screening of the Channel 4 series, she said: ‘I’ve learned that everyone has a craft – I can’t knit or crochet, I really can’t – it’s the rhythmic nature of it. I just can’t keep it in my head.
‘But it really is part of me, of what I do.’
Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas is available on Channel 4’s streaming service.