Flamboyant TV homestyle guru Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen certainly made his mark during filming in the island for his new series.

Two very different Manx homes got the changing rooms treatment for his new show Laurence of Suburbia, an international commission for Sky Vision which will be launched at the Cannes Film Festival in October.

First up to get a makeover was Sue and David Griffiths’ Merchant’s House, in Castle Street, Peel.

And epic designs were also created for Ballamoar Castle at Sandygate, which is owned by Pamela Shimwell-Mayo MBE.

Following filming over two weeks, the big reveals, together with the homeowners’ reactions, were unveiled by Laurence in a giant inflatable dome at the Villa Marina gardens on Friday evening.

He also gave out some design tips that people can use in their own homes.

During his visit, Laurence hailed the island’s contribution to design and architecture.

Laurence said: ’It was critical for the Art Nouveau movement. Designers like Archibald Knox and Baillie Scott created a style that influenced the world.’

He described Laurence of Suburbia as the ’ultimate make-over show’ which is the biggest he has done in the UK.

’It’s about making spaces that tell stories’, he said.

Wherever possible, Laurence used local companies for furnishings for the makeovers and visited the Manx Museum to give him inspiration for his designs.

Producer Bev Lawley said: ’Laurence was just wonderful to work with.

’He has a vast knowledge of history arts and design and it’s quite incredible the amount of research and effort he puts into every project.

’There were a crew of about 30 with 98% of them from the island.

’He loved the Isle of Man and its heritage and hopes to come back to do another two houses.’

During his time in Peel, Laurence posed for pictures in the Shamyr Hey tea room and even paid a visit to Peel Ink.