THE NEW face of BBC programme DIY SOS has revealed her strong Barry connections and her fondness for the town.

The Welsh star of show, Debbie Drew, lives in Whitchurch, but she has always loved this area, especially the Island, where her family lived for many years.

The 36-year old told the News: "Up until she died in December, my great aunt lived on the Island, and I still have family in Barry.

"My father, Michael and his twin John, were born and grew up here.

"We moved away, but used to come to visit every week. My cousins Jeanette and Kathryn still live in the town and Jeanette's daughter April is my biggest fan. We used to hand around Nells Point and Jackson's Bay when we were children. I have fond memories."

She added: "I'd never thought of a job in television, but a friend of mine knew the DIY team were looking for someone and encouraged me. I didn't expect to be offered the job, so I was astounded when they phoned me."

Debbie set up her interior decorating company seven years ago after she and her statistician husband Steve bought their first house. She said: "I'd always worked in an office environment and had found my strength in organisation.

"When we bought our house, I took a course in interior design, combined it with my organisation skills and set up my own business - DD Designs."

Her two sons Sam, 10, and Joe, eight, love watching their mum on television. Debbie said: "It's nice for them to see where I've been, and I think they're enjoying the 'street cred' in school."

While she concentrates on the next series of DIY SOS, Debbie is still running her business.

She added: "This has been a life-changing experience for me, but it won't last forever. My business will still be here when I need it."