John Gray: "I'm HIV-Positive"

From USA Today:


(Wednesday's) episode of Bravo's new Top Design competition (10 ET/PT) offers a rare moment for reality TV: A cast member discloses that he is HIV-positive.

John Gray, whose temper-filled outbursts caused friction among the competing interior designers on Top Design's debut last week, reveals his anger was fueled by medication used in his treatment.

"I just want everyone to know I'm HIV-positive," Gray tells his fellow contestants. "I'm not making excuses or apologies."

Click here to read the whole story.

From The Mailbox

First from TV Squad: The author give us five reasons why she SHOULD like Top Design.

Next, the Grits to Glitz sisters are back with their first Top Design podcast! Click on the link and go to episode #45 "How do you argue with a narcissist?"

Here is a link to Elisa's recap of episode one. Thanks Elisa!

Top Design News

First, the good news: According to the latest Bravo Press Release Top Design was the highest-rated season premiere in Bravo History. Thanks Nora.

Now for the reviews:

Meevee calls Top Design "the bottom of the barrel."

Nothing new here in the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Washington Blade refers to Top Design as Project Copycat.

The Boston Herald weighs in.

Here is a press release describing Elizabeth Moore's latest projects. Congratulations Elizabeth!

But what did YOU think? Will you be tuning in next week?

So! Much! News!

Ah, this is what it is like being part of the launch of a new program!

The Boston Globe gives a rough critique of Top Design. In another Globe article we get a charming story about Michael Adams and his twin(!) brother, Richard.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch says this show is part of a "quirky, classy niche."

The Washington Post talks about the drama of the premiere episode while InsideBayArea.com wants some Gunn. TVGuide.com gives us an Oldham interview as well as a story about a kick-off event that was held on Monday involving a subway makeover. Click here for Bravo's account of the transformation.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer gives us some Ryan Humphrey details and The Boston Herald finds Top Design compelling.

We're sure there is more. Got Top Design news? Write to Team BTD!

From The Mailbox

Join us in welcoming Pink Navy to the roster of bloggers who are taking on Top Design!

Here is an article in the Mercury News.

Here is an item about Erik Kolacz.

Here is an New York Daily News article that mentions a Jonathan Adler installation at Grand Central.

We learn more about Michael Adams in this Telegram and Gazette piece that mentions his rural upbringing (that's Michael with one of the family's herd)) as well the fact that he auditioned purely in support of a friend.

And, my personal favorite: Gay.com asks: Is Top Design Bravo's gayest show ever?
Thanks Deb!

Top Design in the News

Newsday.com has this interview with Jonathan Adler that gives him the excuse to use the word 'squillions.' There is dissing of Top Design to be found in the (SPOILER ALERT!) Philly Inquirer while the Dallas Morning News says 'Bravo' to Bravo.

Meanwhile the Bravo schedule lists the titles of the first 4 episodes as follows:

Mystery Judge - debuts January 31
Child's Play - debuts February 7
Life's A Beach - debuts February 14
Diamond in the Rough - debuts February 21

Got Top Design News? Send it to your Team BTD!