Chateau DIY: Win the Dream

The first four pairs of contestants tackle their first challenge for head judge Max McMurdo - transforming run-down garages into elegant entertainment spaces

The renovation challenge continues, with contestants competing for the chance to run their very own historic French property. Decision day sees one couple's dream of a new life in France hanging in the balance. Judges Max McMurdo and Stephanie Jarvis to put the contestants' entertainment spaces to the test

As the first heat reaches its midpoint, Max McMurdo's latest renovation challenge pushes the contestants' creativity, skill and nerves to the limit. With their future in the competition on the line, each pair must deliver standout work to prove that they deserve to stay.

The three remaining pairs have poured everything into transforming their bedrooms, but only the team with the strongest creativity, design and finish will impress enough to keep their place in the competition. Judges Max McMurdo and Stephanie Jarvis face an agonising decision in determining who will earn a spot in this week's final challenge.

In heat one's final showdown, the last two pairs must give everything to secure their place in the grand final and move closer to winning their dream chateau in France. Max McMurdo raises the stakes by taking them to the remarkable Château de Lalacelle, where they face their toughest challenge yet - planning and hosting a real event for real guests. With high expectations, tight timings and the pressure of performing in a working chateau, only the pair who deliver creativity, organisation and confident execution will progress.

The second heat begins with new contestants tackling attic snug transformations. Working in paired teams, the renovators must balance comfort, style and clever design as they bring the forgotten corners of the chateau back to life. With personalities, approaches and ambitions already clashing, the pressure mounts from day one.

Donna and Paul Newman join head judge Max McMurdo to give their thoughts on the attic snugs, scrutinising everything from layout choices to atmosphere and finish, before the first elimination of the second heat takes place.

With one pair already gone, the remaining renovators step into the solo phase of the competition in which they must create a breakfast room suitable for paying guests. They must show flair in both design and functionality while staying true to the chateau's character - but with no partner to rely on, confidence and creativity are pushed to the brink.

The breakfast room challenge reaches its critical conclusion as guest judges Donna and Paul Newman return to help Max McMurdo make a difficult decision. The three remaining pairs have put everything into transforming their rooms into welcoming, charming, practical and stylish spaces, but only two will secure a spot in this week's final, so for one pair, the dream of a new life in France ends here.

The final of the second heat sees the contestants manage a group of workaways to transform the château grounds, turn over gîtes ready for paying guests and much more. With a place in the grand finale at stake, only the pair who deliver excellence across the board will triumph. Head judge Max McMurdo presides, alongside Château DIY favourites Alison Wright and Zion Kadosh.

Heat three begins as four new pairs arrive at the picturesque French chateau, where Max McMurdo tasks them with transforming two tired outbuildings into luxurious dining rooms worthy of a grand estate. With the contenders working in combined teams, creativity and cooperation are pushed to their limits in an opening challenge that sets the tone for a fiercely competitive heat ahead.

Guest judges Janet and Philip Barnard-Brown join Max McMurdo to give their thoughts on the dining room transformations. With expectations high, the contestants worry that their ideas may fall short - and for one pair, their French dream will be over as the judges decide whose efforts don't meet the standard they are looking for.

With one pair gone, Max McMurdo sets a new brief designed to reveal imagination and personality - transforming blank interiors into elegant reading rooms or libraries. Working alone for the first time in this heat, the hopefuls must balance comfort, functionality and atmosphere while showcasing their design sensibilities.