In 1996, Smillie became the original presenter of BBC Two's new DIY show "Changing Rooms". The show was an immediate success and was transferred to BBC One for series 2. The programme is credited with starting a craze for DIY in the late 1990s. During her time on the show, Smillie and the "Changing Rooms" team won a National TV Award and an INDIE Award and were BAFTA nominated. Smillie remained the main presenter for 13 series, leaving in 2003. In September 1998, Smillie was presented with a Red Book about her life, on the television show This Is Your Life. Michael Aspel, surprising her with the Book at a recording of "Changing Rooms".