Self-confessed enthusiast & collector of miniatures Sandi Toksvig to front The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge for More4

3 September 2021

Channel 4 has commissioned a brand-new competition format where size really does matter.

The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge from Wales-based Yeti, is an 8-part series for More 4, fronted by self-confessed enthusiast & collector of miniatures Sandi Toksvig.   This epic competition will challenge designers to renovate an entire derelict mansion, inspired by real-world designs. The catch is that the luxury fantasy home they must renovate is doll sized.

Whilst the projects may be tiny, the task is huge. Our cast of miniacs (people who create all things miniature) will be set a series of challenges to test their design and practical skills. From crafting a Regency inspired dining room, complete with a dinner service and spread to die for to designing an Art Deco Bathroom, fitted with a a fully plumbed bath. Many of the installations they create in each mini build will need to function and fit the brief to pass the judges’ critical eye.

Judging the series are interior design guru Laura Jackson and world-record holding miniature sculptor Willard Wigan MBE (World’s Tiniest Masterpieces), who will preside over both the individual and team tasks set to the contestants.  

Sandi Toksvig says: "I couldn’t be more thrilled to be hosting The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge. Finally a TV show in my size.  I can’t wait to marvel in miniature." 

Sandi will delve into the inspiration behind the contestant’s builds and bring viewers on journeys through real life stately homes across Britain, showcasing our rich history of opulent and outstanding interior design.

Ultimately, there can only be one winner, but who leaves each week is entirely up to the judges. Tasked to work in teams as well as take charge on their own, this series will test the Miniacs’ skill and creativity to the max. Each week their finished designs are displayed before the judges, with Sandi giving us an ultimate Tiny Tour.  With cutting edge GFX, she’ll be shrunk down to explore these incredible mini rooms up close for herself.

One design is selected as the week’s winner and is installed in our miniature mansion. Over the series we’ll see this shabby, run down derelict miniature mansion transformed into the ultimate fantasy home that we’d all love to live in, if only we could fit.

Clemency Green, Commissioning Editor, Daytime & Features said: “I am hugely excited about this tiny show; big ideas and mighty ambition encapsulated in miniature perfection. It’s a magical world and I’m utterly thrilled that Sandi, Laura and Willard are going to be part of it.”

The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge was commissioned for More4 by Clemency Green. It is executive produced by Yeti’s Siân Price and series produced by Samuel Simon. The series was part funded by leading production finance broker and distribution agent Silverlining Rights, which has worldwide distribution rights to the show and format.

Silverlining founder Bethan Corney added: "Creating incredible miniatures is a fast growing trend, not just in the UK but around the world. The Great Big Tiny Design Challenge perfectly encapsulates the skills and difficulties involved in a fun competition format, and we think it will have enormous appeal with buyers globally.”