Craig Phillips
Winner of the first Big Brother in 2000
*Fees are a guide only. Exact cost will be dependent on requirements and are subject to change.
About Craig Phillips
Born in Seaforth, Liverpool in 1971, Craig began his career in the construction industry after securing a bricklaying apprenticeship at the age of 18. Determined to excel in his trade, he attended night school to study advanced brickwork and civil engineering, gaining a City & Guilds qualification while working full-time. His dedication and ambition soon paid off, and throughout the 1990s he built a successful construction company employing 30 tradespeople and generating an annual turnover of more than £1 million. Alongside running the business, Craig also developed an impressive property portfolio, managing projects that ranged from new-build homes to large-scale structural conversions.
Craig first came to national prominence in 2000 when he beat 45,000 applicants to appear on the inaugural series of Big Brother. The groundbreaking programme became one of the most watched television events in the UK, regularly attracting audiences of over 10 million viewers. After more than nine weeks in the house, Craig captured the public’s imagination with his humour, honesty and down-to-earth personality, ultimately winning the series with 3.7 million votes. In a moment that further endeared him to the nation, he donated his entire £70,000 prize to help fund life-saving surgery for his childhood friend Joanne Harris, raising £250,000 within just six days to support her heart and lung transplant.
Following the show, Craig successfully combined his construction expertise with his new media platform, building a respected career as one of the UK’s best-known DIY and home improvement specialists. Over the past two decades he has presented and produced more than 2,000 television programmes across major networks including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Five, Sky One, UKTV Style and Discovery Realtime, reaching audiences not only across Europe but internationally in countries such as the United States, New Zealand and South Korea.
Away from television, Craig continues to champion practical skills and accessible home improvement. Together with his wife Laura, he launched the Mr and Mrs DIY platform, which encourages people of all backgrounds to feel confident tackling DIY projects. The platform produces engaging video content and hosts hands-on workshops in Liverpool, helping to demystify home improvement for a new generation of enthusiasts.
Craig remains a regular contributor to media discussions around construction and DIY, and he works as an ambassador for several leading brands including Silverline Tools, Wagner, Tile Mountain, Frenchic, United Utilities, Forterra and David Lloyd Clubs.
As a speaker and host, Craig Phillips brings authenticity, humour and real-world business experience to the stage. Drawing on his journey from apprentice bricklayer to television presenter and entrepreneur, he shares engaging stories about resilience, opportunity and building success from the ground up, making him a hugely relatable and entertaining presence for live events.
To book Event Host Craig Phillips, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com
Client Feedback
"Just to say a huge thank you to Craig for once again for hosting the awards. He is an absolute delight to work with, he takes time to speak to all of the guests and have photos which really does make their evening extra special. I hope he and his partner enjoyed the awards and without being presumptuous, as I know how busy he is I will be in touch again next year to see if he would like to be involved once again."
Events North West
"The perfect choice for this important role – he is 100% genuine, 100% hard working and 100% a trade professional. His levels of energy, enthusiasm and commitment are truly rare and is simply a thoroughly nice guy. Thank you Craig."
Blåkläder Workwear Ltd
"Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Craig for his time and enthusiasm when he visited Redwood School. it all went really well and we are so pleased we are working with yourselves and Craig."
CheckaTrade
"We've worked regularly with Craig and his energy and enthusiasm never ceases to amaze. Once you meet Craig you realise why he is so well known and liked by all. We are proud of our association and look forward to a warm future together."
Heat Holders
"We couldn't have chosen a more professional and engaging person, we were so impressed, we asked Craig to be our patron. He made everyone feel so welcome from dignitaries to service users and was very happy to give media interviews with his usual energy and enthusiasm."
Les Amis
"Just to say a huge thank you to Craig for once again for hosting the awards. He is an absolute delight to work with, he takes time to speak to all of the guests and have photos which really does make their evening extra special... I will be in touch again next year to see if he would like to be involved once again."
Pride of Merseyside Awards
"Craig has been instrumental in developing the Wagner brand to become a leading provider of spray equipment in the UK. Craig's work is outstanding and he is a true DIY professional with a down to earth approach and discipline towards his work."
Wagner
"Craig was a fantastic host for our awards night. Craig was really professional and arrived at the venue in plenty of time and was clearly very well prepared for the evening. The awards ran really smoothly and Craig was a delight!"
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