Kamloops handyman on reality-TV finale airing tonight
When the season-two finale of Canada’s Handyman Challenge airs tonight (March 19) on HGTV, Mark Ulinder will be watching in his Kamloops home alongside 20 to 30 friends and family.
The viewing party is because Ulinder, 41, is one of four finalists on the show.
It was taped last fall and Ulinder is under a contractual obligation to refrain from discussing the outcome.
But, why would you have dozens of friends over to watch a show if you knew you were going down in flames?
“Well I think I can say that I don’t go down in flames,” Ulinder told KTW.
“Everybody tries their best. Just making it to the final four — when you think about all the things that can happen and go wrong — is a big challenge.”
Ulinder said he’ll be relieved when the finale airs and he can stop keeping secrets from his friends and family.
“Oh, gosh, it’s been months and months,” he said.
“You’ve got people that are close to you that are dying to know how you did. It’s hard.”
Filming was stressful, but fun, Ulinder said, and he enjoyed interacting with the judges — a who’s who of HGTV personalities.
“Most of the time it was really good,” he said.
“But, you’ve got to remember this is TV, too. They want drama. They’re sometimes saying something to get a rise out of you.”
On tonight’s finale, the judging panel will be joined by Mike Holmes — the undisputed O.G. of Canadian home-improvement reality television.
Luckily, Ulinder had experience with the imposing-but-caring contractor.
“I had met him the year before at tryouts,” he said.
“He scares the crap out of you.
“He fires off these questions at you and just gives you a blank stare and waits.
“But, he’s a great guy. We talked lots and he’s really a gentle giant.”
The finale of Canada’s Handyman Challenge airs tonight at 7 p.m. on HGTV (Shaw 14/244; Telus Optik 142/680; Bell 600/1703).
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