'I'm in tears here' - Room to Improve viewers commend couple for opening up about pregnancy loss

Room to Improve viewers have praised a Tipperary couple for opening up about their pregnancy loss which occurred during the show's filming. 

Yesterday's episode (December 14) followed Kate and Brian as they transformed their rural bungalow with a view of the Rock of Cashel into a stunning open plan family home. 

As the only view of the Rock was through a frosted bathroom window, Room to Improve host and renowned architect Dermot Bannon was challenged to create a new design capturing the one of a kind view. 

But the couple's building journey wasn't the most memorable part of the episode. 

Kate found out she was pregnant during filming to the couple's delight but, tragically, she and Brian lost their baby girl at 21 weeks. 

The couple decided to speak about the loss in the episode, with viewers commending their bravery in highlighting such a sensitive and taboo subject. 

Dozens of people posted their condolences on X (formerly Twitter), with one person stating, "Well done to the show and more importantly to this couple for including their baby in the episode. What they've gone through is incredibly tough. They could have easily cut it out, but they kept it in. It happens so often and it shouldn't be a taboo subject." 

Another viewer wrote, "Such an emotional programme - 21 weeks is such a tough tough loss, the bravery was not the floor but continuing on with the filming with grace and dignity. Wishing a fantastic couple all the best in their gorgeous house." 

“It was that spirit, and that energy that got this place finished.”

It was a tough journey for Brian and Kate, but in the end they made their dream home! #RoomToImprove pic.twitter.com/d5l954LVNe

— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) January 14, 2024

Other messages included: 

"What a lovely episode of Room to Improve. I’m in tears here for that lovely couple who lost a baby girl at 22 weeks. They are young so hopefully their baby girl will come in due course. So sad! The house turned out fabulous - I wish them happiness." 

"Another Dermot masterpiece for a wonderful brave couple, wishing them all well." 

"It always turns out seriously impressive. The sad news made my heart sink for them though." 

"Wow.. what an episode. Completely in awe of the couple’s honesty, vulnerability and determination to carry on. That is simply not an easy thing to do. Thank you for sharing your journey, including your little girl, and welcoming the nation into your amazing new home." 

"That couple are adorable, I'm so sorry for their loss." 

"Love to that couple, what they have gone through is horrific. The house is absolutely beautiful and wishing their family all the best in it." 

At the end of the episode, Dermot appeared to become emotional as he commended the couple for their "spirit and tenacity". 

He said, "They had a really difficult time in the last couple of months, and I think what it did is it just trumped everything and put everything into perspective for everybody on this project. 

"It's nice to see them today with a smile on their face." 

Addressing the couple and their friends and family in the finished home, Dermot said, "On behalf of the design team and everybody, I know this job has been full of ups and down, I'm going to get emotional now, but I know it hasn't been the easiest for you guys, but you know something you've always been an absolute pleasure to deal with.

"Even in tough times it's been very fun and I hope you guys have a very long and happy life in this wonderful house." 

Kate said, "Oh god, the whole team... Dermot, Paul, Claire, everybody. We did, we had a tough time. It's a time I'll never forget, you know who has your back, they all did so much and god you'd be forever grateful to them for it." 

If you or someone you love has suffered a pregnancy loss, click here for support resources.