DiCK & DOM: “DA RENTED FLAT” [GOOGLE GEMINI PRESS INTERVIEW]

Last week, childhood TV legends Dick and Dom brought pure nostalgia to life as they transformed the “House Party” venue into a night of DIY fun powered by Google’s Gemini. It genuinely felt like being back in da Bungalow, only this time with a grown-up twist. The duo demonstrated how AI tools like Gemini can help young renters protect their deposits when moving out by tackling simple fixes around the house.

We took part in a number of hands-on tasks, from cleaning tough stains to filling in wood marks, using Gemini to guide us through each step. The best part? It showed how everyday household items like white vinegar or baking soda can be repurposed to solve common household issues. By simply pointing your camera at the problem and asking something like “How do I get this crayon mark off my table?”, Gemini can assess the situation and suggest effective, budget-friendly solutions.

Taking part in these activities really opened my eyes to how many young people lose hundreds from their deposits over small, preventable issues. So, I sat down with Dick and Dom to chat about their partnership with Google, the importance of DIY, and their thoughts on how AI can make a real difference for renters today.

You were childhood favourites for millions. How does it feel to return now, helping your old fans tackle real adult problems like keeping their deposits?

[Dom] We were saying earlier, we’ve all grown up together, haven’t we? We used to be on TV while you were kids watching us, and now we’re on social media doing this campaign for people who grew up with Dick and Dom.

We’re trying to be a force for good, and it’s nice because there’s a real trust with our old audience. When we were asked to do this, not many people knew we used to live together before Dick and Dom in da Bungalow — in about three or four different houses and flats. So we know firsthand what it’s like at the end of a tenancy, being told, “Sorry, you’ve only got £100 left from £600 each of your deposit.”

So when Google approached us for this campaign, it made total sense because we’ve lived it. I’ve got plenty of DIY experience, so I know how to fix things. Dick on the other hand does not, so he represents a lot of people who don’t.

71% of renters lose deposits, what shocked you most about this research?

[Dick] Well, about a third of people lose between £500 and £1,000 — it’s not just £50 here and there. That’s a lot of money, almost your whole deposit gone, just because you haven’t fixed small things around your flat. Simple stuff too, like cleaning the oven.

[Dom] The main reason it costs so much to repair small problems is that landlords don’t have time to do it themselves. It’s easier for them to take the deposit and pay a professional. That’s why it gets expensive, it’s just quicker and simpler for them. But if you do it yourself, like with any DIY, you can save a fortune.

How can technology like Gemini simplify end-of-tenancy tasks?

[Dick] I reckon cleaning the oven is one of the top three things you can do, because most people just don’t bother before leaving.

[Dom] If you just asked Gemini, “How can I clean my oven without using chemicals?” it’ll tell you exactly what you need, a bit of bicarbonate of soda, some vinegar, things like that. Then you can blitz the whole oven. It gives you alternative, eco-friendly ways to get the job done.

How was using Gemini as a real-time DIY coach? Would you have trusted Gemini if you were renting back in your 20s?

[Dick] If Dick and Dom had told me to, I would’ve done it! [Laughs] We remember when the internet first came out; back then, we’d be typing in, “How do you fix this?” But now with Gemini, it can tell you in seconds.

[Dom] I think I’d have needed someone to show me. Seeing it in action really helped us understand how good it is. And honestly, if someone had shown us how it worked back when we were renting, we’d have gone, “Right, brilliant — let’s do it.”

What’s the biggest misconception renters have about getting deposits back?

[Dom] Well, those small little jobs probably won’t cost you anything. At Christmas time, you might put a nail in the wall to hang up some tinsel. That nail will cost you. These days, it’s different from when we were renting when we were younger.

Like I said downstairs, a lot of landlords back then would’ve said, “Oh, don’t worry about it.” Nowadays, every tiny scuff in the hallway gets clocked by an inventory company. The biggest misconception is thinking those small things won’t get noticed, everything gets noticed! 

Beyond this campaign, how do you see AI tools like Gemini changing everyday life for young people, especially when it comes to confidence with things like home repairs?

[Dick] Oh, I think AI is a positive thing when it comes to practical issues like this — it’s the perfect example of AI working at its best. There’s nothing scary about it; it’s just exactly what you need to hear.

[Dom] You know, I love that example I gave earlier when you point it at your fridge and ask, “What can I make out of that?” It saves you money, cuts down on food waste, and still gives you great meals. No more thumbing through cookbooks; it’s bespoke advice for whatever situation you’re in.

[Dick] There’s also a feature on Gemini called Nano Banana, which is incredible. It really took it to the next level for us. Let’s say you want a princess bedroom for your daughter, you can tell her to use a blank wall as a canvas, and choose a pink princess theme, safari, jungle, underwater, whatever you want. It’ll take into account the wall’s dimensions, where the window and bed are, and actually transform the design for you.

Overall, the event was the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation! Dick and Dom brought their signature humour and energy, making DIY feel fun, accessible, and genuinely useful. What stood out most was how seamlessly Google’s Gemini fit into real-life scenarios, showing just how effective AI can be when used for practical, everyday problems.

From identifying cleaning solutions to suggesting quick home fixes, Gemini proved that it’s more than just a clever tool; it’s an affordable, eco-friendly way to make life easier for renters and homeowners alike. Seeing it in action reminded me how small efforts can make a big difference when it comes to saving money and protecting your deposits. 

Gemini made everything feel so simple. It’s the kind of tool that makes you think, “Why haven’t I been using this sooner?” [Laughs]

Big thank you to Google Gemini!

Interview – Nickeeba Archer

Talent – Dick and Dom