Former Men Behaving Badly, Blue Murder and Life Of Riley star Caroline Quentin is returning with a second series of Restoration Home which follows people who are taking on the challenges of renovating homes with history. Caroline chats to TV Choice…

We can’t seem to get enough of shows about property. Why do you think that is?
The British are mad about their homes, really eccentric and properly bonkers about them. In Restoration Home we look at people who are taking on crazy challenges. In other countries they’d be certified insane and locked up! But the other element, which is a very British trait, is our love of history and how the past links to our homes. Which is why people like our show. They get both elements!

With so many shows on TV about DIY, why aren’t they put off knowing they may be buying a pile of dry rot and death watch beetle?
I understand about falling in love with a house. I’ve done it myself. You have to be a hopeless romantic. People will get so enamored of a place that they will take it on even if they don’t have a big budget. It’s fascinating seeing what someone will do when they have £1m to spend, but even more fascinating when they are on a tight budget to see the miracles they can perform.

You're having a busy summer — are you planning a break?
I’m hoping people won’t get sick to death of me because I’m doing lots of projects this year. I’m already filming a third series of Restoration Home right now. Then I will be doing another 10-part series of Cornwall With Caroline Quentin. I love doing it. My mother is Cornish so there’s a big family connection there. I’ve got a two-week break coming up later this summer and we’re off to Cornwall for a holiday.

And after that?
There’s a series about the UK’s National Parks which I’m really looking forward to, and a coupe of drama projects.

You’re playing a witch in a comedy series called Switch, aren't you?
Yes it’s on ITV2 and it’s about a modern-day coven of young pretty witches who are all flatmates living in Camden, London. Lacey Turner from EastEnders is one of them — they are all such lovely girls. I’m the hippy mum of one called Grace, who is played by the beautiful Phoebe Fox. I think it’s one of the best things I’ve done in years. It’s really cool and I get to do spells —  though sadly I don’t have a broomstick!

BBC2, Wednesday

Sue Malins