This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan are joined by architect, television presenter and proud Sunderland lad George Clarke, who went from working in a small architect’s practice in Washington at 16 to becoming one of the most recognisable faces on Channel 4.

George grew up surrounded by builders, grafters and family who weren’t afraid of hard work. His grandad built his own fishing trawler, his dad loved drawing, and a 10p book on architecture from Sunderland Library helped spark a lifelong obsession with buildings.

After studying in Newcastle, George headed to London in 1996, working with some of the biggest names in architecture before heading to Hong Kong. Television wasn’t part of the plan. In fact, when an agent suggested a screen test, he said no. And when he was offered the job, he said no again.

Nearly 20 years on television later, he still insists he’s an architect first and a presenter second.

The lads get into leaving the North East, the opportunities that took him around the world and why, after 30 years, he’s finally coming home.

George talks about buying a historic Georgian building in Sunderland, the restoration project that’s costing considerably more than expected, and his plans to open an independent bookshop with writers’ accommodation, supper clubs and a space for the local community.

There’s also his passion for the North East, the places and stories hiding in plain sight, and why he believes we should shout about the region’s brilliance, but perhaps not too loudly.

Along the way, George shares the story of meeting his hero Sting, bumping into George Clooney, his love of Sunderland AFC, and why Durham Cathedral tops his list of the world’s greatest buildings.

Then there’s the family history, his grandad’s fishing boat, his nana selling homemade fishcakes around Sunderland, and the importance of never forgetting where you came from.

On the menu: first pints, curry or gravy, fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, the correct order of salt and vinegar, a serious dislike of parsnips, a surprisingly passionate conversation about soup and a Greggs steak bake that nearly took the skin off his hand.

This episode is a funny, warm and passionate conversation about buildings, books, family, opportunity and belonging. About following what you love, taking chances when they come along and why, no matter how far you travel, there’s something special about coming home.

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