Yahoo Sport 
Martin Roberts wanted Homes Under the Hammer moved to primetime
The host of the BBC's most successful daytime property programme wanted to see it hit primetime, but now sees the value of its morning slot.
Homes Under the Hammer is a stalwart show in the BBC's daytime schedule, having been on air since 2003. Martin Roberts has presented the property-selling series since the start, spending 20 years in front of the camera.
The 60-year-old had heart surgery in 2022 and was told he was only hours from death due to a build-up of fluid around his heart. This brush with death has encouraged Roberts to reflect on his work and his life.
That includes his most famous show, with Roberts admitting that he once thought Homes Under the Hammer deserved a more prestigious berth in the TV schedule.
“I used to not understand why we weren’t moved to a primetime slot, but I’ve realised being in daytime is more special," said Roberts in an interview with The Sun.
He added: “We’re there for people at their lowest, when they’re off sick or things aren’t great. We have a special way to connect with people."
The 27th series of Homes Under the Hammer is currently airing on BBC One, with more than 1,000 episodes in the can at this point. The series continues to attract huge viewership in its morning slot, where it's one of the BBC's most reliable shows.
Roberts has also decided to put his renovation expertise to the test after impulse-buying a derelict hotel in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales. He didn't even ask his wife first.
But the star's newfound zest for life means he has decided to use the project to do some good, working with disadvantaged children in the local area to teach them construction skills.
“I’m now more motivated and desperate to get all the things done that I possibly can," he explained.
"I have no idea how much longer I’ve got but, whatever it is, I want to make a difference to people. If I accidentally speed up my demise in the process, it’s a risk I’m willing to take. I’ve dealt with nearly dying, what could be harder than that?"
Read more:
