It’s an entertaining return to Australian television screens for Jamie Durie with Top Design. Great casting in the conflicting contestants, the challenges are strong the judges don’t pull any punches. The judging time at the end of the program is a little clunky (“Sorry, but you do not have the Top Design”). Ratings for the program have been warm, but not great. I smell a hastily re-edited, 90 minute episode with a surprise twist in the offing… and here it comes! From the press release:

This week, in a Top Design Special at the new time of 7.30pm, a shock double elimination and three massive challenges. Jamie raises the stakes for his “bunch of superstars”, and has an even bigger twist up his sleeve.

In the first challenge, Jamie takes the remaining eight contestants “outdoors” for a transformation close to his heart.

The results are amazing but it’s only the first part of a three part challenge. Later, Jamie and the judges reveal the prize has been increased, but there’s a trade off with a twist that will blow the contestants away.

Top Design: See how Aussies from all walks of life transform everyday living spaces with an elimination every episode. With $100,000 and the title of Top Design at stake, this series celebrates the most daring and dazzling ideas.

Top Design – Wed 7:30pm, Ch9.