Show to feature 'Makeover' star

Ed Sanders, carpenter from the hit ABC prime-time show, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," will appear Friday at the Deseret Morning News Home Show.

Sanders and the crew were recently in Bountiful filming an episode of the show with the Harrison family. The episode, which aired Sunday, featured Gordon Harrison and his family, who are coping with Harrison's diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Despite having cancer, Harrison and his family remodeled their neighbor's kitchen and arranged for the family to go on a vacation so they would come home to a big makeover surprise. The Harrison family reached out to help those in need despite their own difficulties.

"Everyone in the community of Bountiful lives by the phrase, 'Let's pay it forward,' " said Sanders, "because you never know if 30 years down the line you're going to need help yourself."

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is known for bringing communities together to build a home in seven days for deserving families.

Sanders is no stranger when it comes to home remodeling. Originally from London, at the age of 16 he decided he was going to become an actor. Life of an actor was not easy, and he knew he needed a trade to fall back on between acting jobs.

The next three years were spent in technical college learning the art of carpentry. During his last year, Sanders studied advanced joinery, where he perfected his skills in cabinet making and other high-quality finishing carpentry.

In between acting jobs, he continued a career as a carpenter while aspiring to be a successful actor. Often, Sanders found himself finishing a play and then returning to a building site.

"Going back to carpentry always kept my feet firmly on the ground," said Sanders said. "I would remember that my father said to get some kind of trade behind me if I was going to carry on acting."

After graduation, Sanders landed the lead role of Eddie Moliano on the British television show "Dream Team." In addition to his series, he also hosted several television shows ranging from dating shows to live music shows. His popularity jumped in 2002 when he became the host of Fear Factor U.K.

In 2004, Sanders made the move from the U.K. to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career. He was given the opportunity to join "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" design team. Now he is able to use both of his passions, hosting and carpentry.