Bolton decorator to appear on Channel 4's The Big Interiors Battle

“Smithills lad” Ashley Woodcock, owner of A. Woodcock Decorators, will feature in The Big Interiors Battle.

The show, which also includes Capital&Centric who are in overseeing the Farnworth Green and Neighbourhood Bolton projects.

The programme is set to air in ‘early 2023’.

Although Ashley could not reveal too much about the show due to legal obligations, he says it was a great experience.

“We had a busy three days.

“We were being told what to do by the designer. They had their ideas and we had to go off the spec.

READ MORE: Capital&Centric to appear on Channel 4's The Big Interiors Battle

“Whether it worked or not, we just had to take orders.

“There was a lot of designers on set so to see them giving different ideas – it gives you a contrast in what’s possible. It’s definitely given me a few pointers.”

Ashley on the set of Changing Rooms season two in a room he help decorate (Image: Ashley Woodcock)

Ashley is no stranger to working in front of a film crew. He was involved with Channel 4’s second season of Changing Rooms with Laurance Llewelyn-Bowen that aired last year, as well as appearing on DIY SOS on BBC One in 2016.

“I’ve done a few over the years. It’s pretty manic. It’s long days.

“It’s great fun to carry out these famous designer’s work. It’s not something you get to do every day.”

Ashley says that his experiences of working on the shows has change the way he works.

One of around 600 Dulux Selected members in the UK, he concentrates on colour consultations and likes to help people stand out from the crowd when it comes to their own homes.

READ MORE: Metro Mayor Andy Burnham visits Farnworth Green

“When you get a decorator in its usually white ceilings, white woodwork, and whatever colour on the wall.

“We do the colour consultation. Maybe a bit of an off-white on the ceiling or maybe if they’re feeling brave a pink ceiling – which I’ve just recommended to a customer, and he loves it.

“I tell the customer, ‘why don’t you go this route. It’s something different to your friends’.

Ashley and his partner at the On The Tools Awards 2022 (Image: Ashley Woodcock)

“So, it’s been a good learning curve, Changing Room and stuff”.

These days, being able to proudly tell customers that he’s appeared on these popular TV shows gives him an extra level of credibility, but his career has not always been so straightforward.

Having started his apprenticeship in 2004, the recession forced him out of work and to create his own business in 2008.

READ MORE: 'You've changed our boy's life' — family reacts to DIY SOS makeover

He since built up his business, but towards the backend of the pandemic he struggled to keep up the momentum and his business was on the brink of folding.

That prompted him to take a course through paint manufacturer Dulux, which ultimately led to getting picked up for his appearance on Changing Rooms and through that he was also asked to appear on the upcoming The Big Interiors Battle.

“Last year we ended up being in the final five for painter and decorator of the year,” he said.

The shortlist for best painter and decorators at the On The Tools Awards 2022 (Image: Ashley Woodcock)

“I went from 2021 on the verge of closing down business to 2022 being shortlisted in the final five for the decorator of the year and a lot of that has come through the TV work.

“It’s opened up opportunities and transformed my company and my way of thinking.”

Visit www.awoodcockdecorators.co.uk for more information about Ashley's business.

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.