Last year I was a Casting Producer on Renovation Rescue, with new hosts Vogue Williams and Luke Mabbott. It was one of the more challenging casting projects I’ve worked on, with a tight turnaround and a very specific brief.

Working in casting can be relentless at times; especially on a series where the format is genuinely helping contributors, you just want to help everyone, but in reality the series has a limited number of episodes and strict parameters in which our stories need to fall. Saying this, I do actively seek out those jobs. Starting my career on Long Lost Family gave me a thirst for it, feeling like I was part of something that wasn't just producing great television but also a wider impact.

On Renovation Rescue, I was speaking to people every day who had been let down by builders and desperately needed support to finally finish their renovations so normal life could resume. With a major renovation, so many put their life savings on the line, and it's hugely impacting when things don't go to plan.

Penny's story is one I am most excited to share with the world. One of the first things Penny said to me was "I may be in my 70s, but don't underestimate me!" She had been on the roof herself that morning, documenting her concerns with her former builder's work. In recent years her partner of 20 years had passed, and she'd not only navigated a relocation but was now burning into her retirement fund in pursuit of her forever home, after being let down by builders. Despite her relentless run of hardship, her thirst for life was infectious - she knew she needed to "get on with it and make the best of the time [she had] here."

This is a tribute to Penny and all the families who brave a major renovation (and even braver, invite us in to film the journey!).

Catch the new series this Thursday, 30th July at 8pm on Channel 4 or catch up on demand.

Photo: Penny, Shoreham - Series 2, Episode 2.