This article is a guest post from the awesome guys at Rug Traders, where youll find one of the best selections of cheap rugs on tinterweb. I never thought there would be a time when I was actively looking forward to watching a property development show. When and how did this happen? Is this what growing up is? Property Ladders real life drama may not compare to forensic detectives shows, but it was certainly addictive. Who knows what manner of trouble the house would be in today, perhaps the Jones in Swindon would be suffering from a terrible case of warped floorboards! Or maybe the Patel family in Rotherham would be facing a leaky roof crisis! Oh yes, the excitement was definitely palpable. When did this national fixation with home improvement shows actually begin and how did I become so invested in a show about projects I am never actually likely to participate in? I blame Sarah Beeny. Beautiful, beautiful Sarah Beeny. Channel 4s Property Ladder premiered at the turn of the millennium and launched Beenys television career. It was a risky but admirable decision by Channel 4 and Talkback THAMES to allow an unproven self-taught property developer to front the show, but ultimately one which reaped rich dividends as the series became so successful that spin-offs were commissioned, including Dutch and American versions of the concept. Beenys enthusiasm for DIY is infectious, making even the most mundane of tasks seem entertaining, not that you would consider any part of the show mundane as you were sucked into whatever tragic troubles this weeks homeowners were facing. If only they had paid for a surveyor before plunging their entire life savings into a dilapidated bungalow with no roof! Those naive fools! The reality television bubble has become all encompassing, with new shows continually coming and going, but the genuine warmth and enthusiasm Beeny brought to each episode drew a considerable fanbase and propelled the show to numerous seasons over the decade. One of the most endearing aspects of the show was the differing stages of pregnancy which Beeny would be in throughout every season a topic she would even comment on during press interviews. Help! My House Is Falling Down took the concept behind Property Ladder and brought it to new extremes. Pest infestations, splits in the foundation and even a home sinking into the ground featured on the show, with all manner of experts called in to assist with the troubles. Over-the-top demonstrations were presented in an absolutely serious manner to the now horrified homeowners. Oh, you dont think this floorboard is a problem? Heres a replica of your childs bedroom ON FIRE. The guests they would bring in to discuss the houses deadly failings were always incredibly passionate about their field of expertise, waxing lyrical about the importance of a decent cement mix as Beeny and the homeowners nodded in agreement. Youd soon find yourself nodding along with them, as you would only now begin to consider the benefits of solid structural integrity. So heres to you, Sarah Beeny. Thank you for introducing me to the world of adequate surveying and chronic damp. Please come back to our screens soon.