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JILLIAN HARRIS, STAR OF "THE BACHELORETTE," JOINS DESIGN TEAM FOR AN EPISODE OF "EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION" ON ABC
Jillian Harris, star of the most recent fifth edition of "The Bachelorette," joined the design team of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" as a special guest designer during the episode entitled "Skaggs Family," which began shooting on Monday. The episode will air later this season on ABC.
"I have been an adoring fan of the series for years and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing team. I feel so blessed to be a part of this project with �Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.' Because of the constant love I receive from my family, friends, and now fans, I have always felt like my heart was just bursting with love and hope for others in need. I couldn't think of a better place or a better way to give back; to give love, support, and hope. I really feel like the world needs a lot of love right now, and to be a part of this and see others give their time and love so generously, it is truly inspiring," said Harris.
Said Anthony Dominici, executive producer: "We're thrilled to have Jillian with us as a special guest designer and be a part of the show. People know Jillian as a great personality, but they may not realize that she's an incredible designer too -- she's done restaurants and custom furniture for years. But now it's time for her to put those skills to the test and help Ty and the team build and decorate a home for a deserving family in just a week!"
In Harris' episode, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will travel to Slaughterville, Oklahoma, to meet Brian and Audra Skaggs, whose son, Jhett, survived a heart transplant at just 10 months old. Although he's made incredible progress over the past two years, the poor condition of the family's moldy, rotting, termite-ridden home poses serious risks to Jhett's weakened immune system. In seven days, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will build a safe and healthy home for Jhett, 2, his sister Merit, 5, and his parents, a home that will allow the family to focus on each other instead of their deteriorating surroundings.
Fan favorite Jillian Harris charmed America with her irrepressible humor and emotional honesty on ABC's "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." Since finding her soul mate, Ed Swiderski, on "The Bachelorette," the happy couple enjoys cooking together, singing karaoke and spending time with family and friends. Now Jillian brings more than 10 years' experience in the hospitality and restaurant design industry to "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" as a special guest designer. A self proclaimed "polished redneck" who is not afraid to get her hands dirty or climb a ladder with heels on, Jillian carefully combines the frivolous with the sensible -- a brilliant mix between low brow and high brow. Her extensive background provides a unique perspective to both front-of-house and back-of-house operations as they relate to restaurant and interior design, and will be a valuable asset to the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" design team.
Outside of her work in television, Jillian continues to jet back to Canada to run her firm, Jillian Harris Design, where she is currently launching a furniture division featuring custom-made 18th century dining and lounge pieces. In her free time, Jillian is penning a book based on her infamous "hot dog
theory" and dating experience. While she and Ed enjoy taking in the fine architecture, culture and cuisine of Chicago, they also actively dedicate their energy to charities, from supporting no-kill animal shelters and recycling initiatives to sitting on the board of Big Brother Big Sisters.
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.
For more information on "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," please visit ABC.com.
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