WHEN DERMOT BANNON “STOLE” FROM DANIEL O’DONNELL — AND GOT CAUGHT ON NATIONAL TV
Dublin, Ireland — It started as a normal episode of Angela Scanlon’s Ask Me Anything — full of laughter, good stories, and a few harmless confessions — but by the end of the night, architect Dermot Bannon had made one of the funniest admissions ever aired on Irish television: he accidentally stole something from Daniel O’Donnell’s house.
The revelation came when Angela asked the Room to Improve host about his most memorable celebrity home renovation. Without missing a beat, Dermot replied, “Ah, that’d have to be Daniel and Majella. Lovely people — but I might have left with more than I came with!”
The audience roared as Daniel turned to him, mock-shocked. Dermot continued, grinning, “After we wrapped filming, I realized one of Daniel’s mugs somehow ended up in the van. I swear it wasn’t on purpose — but I’ve been drinking tea from it ever since.”
Daniel burst into laughter, shaking his head. “I knew something was missing! Majella blamed me for losing it. Turns out the real thief was sitting beside me this whole time!”
Host Angela Scanlon nearly fell off her chair laughing as the two traded witty comebacks. Daniel joked that Dermot should have “at least stolen a trophy or an award, not me poor mug!” while Dermot promised he’d “design him a new kitchen just to make it up to him.”
The chemistry between the pair reminded viewers why their Room to Improve collaboration remains one of RTÉ’s most beloved episodes. Fans fondly remember the Donegal edition where Daniel and Majella’s easygoing charm and Dermot’s perfectionist tendencies led to a mix of heartfelt moments and comedic gold.
Even Angela couldn’t resist teasing Daniel: “You let him build your dream home, and he walks off with your crockery — that’s Irish friendship for you!”
Dermot, still laughing, responded, “It’s the best mug I’ve ever had, Angela. Tea just tastes better in a Daniel O’Donnell mug!”
Social media exploded after the episode aired, with fans calling it “pure Irish television magic” and demanding the two reunite for another series. One viewer wrote, “Dermot and Daniel together are comedy gold — like Laurel and Hardy with accents!” Another added, “Forget home makeovers — give them a talk show!”
Behind the laughter, though, it was clear that the affection between Daniel and Dermot is genuine. The two men share a mutual respect built during the renovation — Daniel’s calm humor balancing Dermot’s creative energy.
💬 “We might’ve driven him mad with our opinions,” Daniel admitted with a grin, “but Dermot got the job done — and he did it beautifully. He can keep the mug as a souvenir.”
Angela closed the segment perfectly: “Only in Ireland could a missing mug turn into a national scandal and a friendship as warm as a pot of tea.”
It was a small confession — but one that turned into one of the most endearing TV moments of the year, proving once again that when Daniel O’Donnell and Dermot Bannon share a stage, laughter (and maybe a few missing dishes) are guaranteed.