MasterChef: The Professionals will take over the Tuesday night slot on BBC One next week, replacing DIY SOS after the broadcaster confirmed the long-running home improvement show will be rested in 2027 due to budget cuts.
Schedule change confirmed
The cooking competition, hosted by Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti, will launch its search for the next culinary star with a series of demanding challenges designed to test the chefs' skills to the limit.
The description for the first episode reads: "Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti launch the search the next culinary star with a series of demanding challenges designed to test their skills to the limit."
The first six chefs to enter the kitchen begin by taking on a skills test in which they pair up to recreate a crab raviolo dish, served with a rich, deeply flavoured bisque. Then they serve up a signature dish - knowing one of them will soon be hanging up their apron.
DIY SOS to be rested
The scheduling change comes after the BBC confirmed that DIY SOS would be "rested" in 2027 as part of its ongoing savings challenges. The decision does not mean the programme has been cancelled, however, as the broadcaster has plans to continue the brand in a new format.
A BBC spokesperson said: "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."
The new series, currently working under the title DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life, will look back at some of the show's most memorable successes while offering a different way to bring its stories to viewers.
Presenter reacts to pause
The announcement follows the news that the BBC is looking to make significant savings, with the corporation aiming to save £500 million over three years. Other familiar programmes have also been axed, including Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live At The Apollo.
Knowles previously admitted he was "disappointed" by the decision to put DIY SOS on pause, although he acknowledged the financial pressures facing the broadcaster.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the presenter said: "You may have already seen the news that DIY SOS is being put on 'pause'. Of course, I'm disappointed not to be filming the show next year or again in the same format we know and love. But I do understand there's no endless pot of money at the BBC and sometimes they have to make difficult decisions."
He added: "Thank you for all the messages and comments over the weekend. It's so clear you share my sentiment and deep love for this show. What I always come back to is that it's the people who are the beating heart of SOS. Over the years we've had thousands of tradespeople, suppliers and volunteers, all people trying to make their own living, who have shown up time and time again for the families who need it most. Kind, hardworking people and real working-class heroes coming together to build a better community. It really is the best of Britain and we need to see more of it on telly."
The 64-year-old shared a roundup of snaps of his time on the show over the last 26 years, including selfies with the team and a photo with Princes William and Harry. He added: "For 26 years it's been an honour and a privilege to be part of DIY SOS and I've loved nothing more than making it."
