Arthur Gourounlian, a prominent figure from RTE and a judge on Dancing With The Stars, has successfully transformed his back garden through an ambitious DIY project. The renovation comes after Gourounlian and his husband, Brian Dowling, moved into a new home in Dublin last year. The couple, now parents to two young daughters, has been gradually personalising their property, with the recent garden overhaul showcasing their commitment to creating a family-friendly outdoor space.

With Ireland experiencing a significant heatwave over the past week, Gourounlian took the opportunity to revamp their back garden. He shared the entire process on Instagram, revealing a remarkable before-and-after transformation that has captured the attention of fans.

DIY Journey Documented on Social Media

The 45-year-old TV star began the makeover by hand-weeding the driveway, which had become overrun with unwanted plants. Following this initial task, he showcased the revitalised red-bricked driveway, now free of weeds and looking pristine. In a post celebrating this achievement, Gourounlian expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Guys this feels so good, it’s absolutely amazing.”

Next, he turned his attention to the back patio area, which serves as a play zone for his daughters. Previously cluttered with toys, bikes, and play equipment, the space underwent a significant transformation. Gourounlian revealed a new patio adorned with flower pots and a wooden chair he purchased for his mother, Maria, who is visiting from France. He fondly remarked on the chair’s purpose: “She can enjoy her morning tea and spend the afternoon in the garden with the kids. I think it’s very adorable.”

A Comprehensive Garden Overhaul

The garden’s outskirts featured outdated flower beds that had not been maintained since the couple’s arrival. To enhance the overall aesthetics, Gourounlian bought bark mulch and neatly arranged it around the flower beds, contributing to a cleaner appearance. Additionally, he assembled a swing set for his daughters, completing the family’s outdoor oasis.

The final result of Gourounlian’s efforts is a garden that now looks unrecognisable compared to its previous state. He humorously noted on Instagram, “Mission accomplished, even though my body may be dead and my hands are swollen and blistered. Worth it!” This transformation not only highlights his dedication but also reflects a growing trend among homeowners to take on DIY projects, particularly in the wake of the pandemic.

Gourounlian’s garden renovation exemplifies how personal initiatives can create inviting spaces for families while also serving as a source of personal satisfaction and creativity.

The future of the popular BBC show MasterChef is uncertain following the dismissal of co-presenter Gregg Wallace amid serious allegations concerning his conduct. An external investigation has substantiated multiple claims against Wallace, leading to significant controversy and public scrutiny of the show.

Allegations against Wallace include the use of inappropriate sexual language and initiating unwelcome physical contact with colleagues. Additionally, reports surfaced that he exposed himself to a coworker, raising serious concerns about workplace behavior. These accusations prompted singer Rod Stewart to speak out, claiming that his wife, Penny Lancaster, was “humiliated” during her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef in 2021. Stewart took to social media to express his anger, stating, “You humiliated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that part cut out, didn’t you?”

In response to the allegations, Wallace initially defended himself, admitting to using inappropriate language but denying the more severe accusations. He expressed determination to fight for his position, stating, “I will not go quietly. I will not be cancelled for convenience.” He attributed some of his behavior to undiagnosed autism and criticized the BBC for not providing adequate support.

In light of the investigation conducted by law firm Lewis Silkin, which substantiated 45 allegations against Wallace, the BBC made the decision to terminate his contract. The report also found that fellow presenter John Torode used “racist language” in a past incident, leading to his dismissal as well, despite his lack of recollection regarding the event.

The implications of these events extend beyond the individuals involved. The 21st season of MasterChef, initially scheduled to air in February, has been postponed indefinitely. Tim Davie, the BBC’s director general, acknowledged the impact on the amateur chefs who prepared extensively for the competition. He stated, “Those amateur chefs gave a lot to take part, it means a lot, it can be an enormous break if you come through the show.”

The decision to delay the season reflects a broader consideration of the program’s integrity and the support systems necessary for its participants. Davie indicated that the BBC is currently reflecting on the appropriateness of broadcasting the episodes and will communicate a decision in due course.

As the controversy unfolds, the future of MasterChef remains in limbo, highlighting the need for a thorough evaluation of workplace standards and the responsibilities of public figures in television.

The latest episode of RTE’s Fair City showcased intense drama as Ger exploited James’ financial difficulties to her advantage. This turn of events left viewers expressing their opinions on social media, with many praising Ger’s cunning actions.

In the episode, James struggles to conceal his financial troubles from his family after taking out a high-interest loan from a loan shark. As he attempts to maintain control over the situation, he concocts a cover story about a business app. This only adds to the tension, particularly when Emma discovers his secret but chooses not to disclose it to him.

Meanwhile, Ger learns about James’ mounting debt and quickly decides to use this information to her benefit. Viewers took to social media to react, with comments like, “Old tune James LOL” and “Ger is my hero” reflecting the polarized opinions surrounding the characters’ actions.

Book Club Drama and Car Dealings Unfold

In another storyline, Renee faces challenges within her book club, refusing to change her selected book despite mounting pressure from other members. Emma, in an effort to sway Renee, claims that the other members are likely to withdraw their participation due to her choice. Nonetheless, Renee remains steadfast.

On a different front, Ray attempts to expand his garage’s inventory by purchasing electric cars, believing he has secured a good deal. However, Pete’s anger escalates upon discovering that the cars are older models with subpar batteries, complicating their sale. Despite the misstep, Ray insists he can handle the situation himself. When questioned by Orla, he lies about the purchase, attempting to shift the blame to Pete.

Amid these intertwined narratives, Mairead confronts Dean over lingering speculation regarding him and Ger. Although Dean initially seeks a connection with Ger, he soon realizes that his feelings for Mairead have not waned, leading to further complications in their relationships.

As the episode unfolded, viewers were captivated by the character dynamics and the urgent challenges they faced, making for an engaging night of television. The show’s ability to intertwine personal dilemmas with broader themes of trust and deception continues to resonate with its audience.

Manchan Magan, a prominent figure in Irish media, has revealed that he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer while filming his latest documentary series, *Listen to the Land Speak*. Diagnosed in early 2023, just before production began, the writer and filmmaker opted to continue with his work, embracing the challenges of his condition while exploring Ireland’s rich heritage.

Magan’s journey through cancer treatment included hormone therapy and radiotherapy over the course of a year. Despite these challenges, he traveled extensively across the country, reflecting on what he describes as “Ireland’s ancient spirit.” In an interview with RSVP, he shared, “We started filming around August 2023 right when I found out I had prostate cancer. Then I went on a journey of healing, experiencing that during the filming. It just wouldn’t have been fair not to share it with viewers.”

Exploring Ireland’s Mystical Landscape

*Listen to the Land Speak* is a powerful two-part documentary that delves into the mystical landscapes of Ireland, uncovering the ancient wisdom embedded in its myths and geography. Magan emphasized that while he was capturing the beauty of the land, he was also facing a deeply personal battle. He stated, “I was in these deeply visceral, beautiful places thinking about mortality, spirit, and wider things. And I realized I had to be honest with the audience about what was happening inside my own body too.”

The series chronicles a year-long exploration, moving from significant dates in the Irish calendar such as Winter Solstice to Bealtaine, and from Reek Sunday to Samhain. Along the way, Magan interacted with archaeologists, shamans, writers, and storytellers, each contributing to his understanding of how ancient cultures perceived the world.

A notable moment from the series occurred during Magan’s visit to the Keash Caves in Sligo, where archaeologist Marion Dowd introduced him to the concept of caves as gateways to other realms. “She showed me how caves were seen as doorways into other worlds. It was real, visceral — not metaphor, but belief,” he recalled.

Reflections on Mortality and Discovery

After completing his treatment, Magan expressed how peculiar it feels that the series is being released just as he moves beyond his illness. “We all try to avoid thinking about death. But I spent a year facing it, and it was enriching,” he noted. The stunning locations he visited added depth to his reflections, allowing him to connect profoundly with Ireland’s landscapes.

Magan concluded, “I thought I knew Ireland. But I got to know it on a far deeper, more profound level. The land is speaking to us through stories, myths, and memory. And when we really listen… it’s like we can hear our ancestors speaking again.”

*Listen to the Land Speak* is now available for streaming on the RTE Player, offering viewers an insightful journey through Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage, intertwined with Magan’s personal narrative of resilience and discovery.