Nick Knowles has been left feeling like a 'jobbing actor' after a cost-cutting shake-up of the popular BBC show DIY SOS. On Friday evening, news broke that the broadcaster had reportedly 'axed' the series - a show Knowles, 64, has fronted for almost three decades. The BBC later insisted it was being paused but has yet to confirm a return date.
A source tells the Mirror: "This is a major blow to Nick. He knew change was inevitable and show bosses had been trying for a while to give it a facelift and sadly, it's not done enough to drive viewers of terrestrial TV up.
"Nick has his fingers in a lot of pies, but he can't help feeling like a jobbing actor/presenter again now. He's going to be on the hunt for more work. Everyone involved tried everything they could to make it work, it's no one's fault. Nick wasn't surprised, his main concern is for his colleagues and the crew finding more work."
BBC confirms spin-off plans
The BBC denies it's being axed and insists they're looking to commission a more cost-effective spin-off. A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror: "In light of the BBC's savings challenges we have taken the decision to rest DIY SOS in 2027 and commission a new spin off show instead from producers South Shore.
"DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life (w/t) will revisit successes from the show's past and expand the brand on the BBC in a more cost-effective way next year."
In June, the BBC announced a series of cuts to save £500m across the corporation over the next two years. Recent casualties include RuPaul's Drag Race while BBC One's Breakfast will no longer be shown on Sunday mornings.
Show's legacy and Knowles' next move
DIY SOS first aired in 1999 and for almost 30 years has transformed the homes of families in need. These include people who are facing severe illness, disability, bereavement or have had cowboy builders destroy their property.
Volunteers - who have included Princes William and Harry - have helped hundreds of families. Last year, over 900 volunteers joined forces to build a £1million children's cancer unit for The Joshua Tree charity in Northwich, Cheshire in just 12 days.
Knowles got his big break on DIY SOS and has gone on to present several BBC shows and starred in I'm A Celebrity in 2018 and Strictly Come Dancing in 2024. The star - who married third wife Katie Dadzie last year - is keen to follow in the footsteps of Holly Willoughby and Vanessa Feltz and launch his own YouTube show.
The source adds, "Nick knows the game, the future of the show is uncertain but he's not afraid to go it alone and is weighing up the idea of launching his own project on YouTube."
The Mirror approached representatives for South Shore and Nick Knowles for comment.
