The BBC has been branded 'out of touch' by furious viewers after announcing that DIY SOS is being put on hold. Presenter Nick Knowles has voiced his "disappointment" over the show's future following the BBC's decision.
The series, fronted by Strictly star Nick, initially launched in 1999 and has seen Nick and his crew complete more than 200 episodes. Despite attracting a massive following of devoted viewers, the BBC recently revealed that DIY SOS will be "rested" owing to "savings challenges". In its place, a fresh spin-off programme showcasing highlights from previous episodes would be broadcast.
BBC confirms DIY SOS spin-off
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 will revisit successes from the show's past and expand the brand on the BBC in a more cost-effective way next year."
Nick Knowles breaks his silence
Nick has now spoken out, prior to the upcoming episode of DIY SOS broadcasting on Tuesday, October 20, reports Wales Online. Posting photographs of himself throughout his time on the programme, Nick wrote: "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. 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. 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."
"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."
"I've always put my head above the parapet for tradespeople and this industry I love and I'll keep doing that. But for now, I want to say thank you to every family for sharing their story with us over the last 26 years."
"To the volunteers, production team, purple shirts, commissioners and everyone watching at home, we couldn't have done this without you. And to everyone who hasn't seen the series yet, give it a watch. I promise your heart will be warmed."
Viewers react with anger and support
Audiences flooded in to express their backing, with one individual writing: "I'm sorry but there are other programmes they could have "paused" or ended and DIY SOS is not it. This programme is so uplifting and shows how communities come together. We need more of this not less."
Another said: "Wouldn't it be great if Amazon could pick this up just like they did with Top Gear!" Someone else said: "What an incredible difference you and the rest of the team made Nick."
Yet another wrote: "A very bad decision by the BBC. The show is such an uplifting feel good watch and in this current climate just what we all need to watch. It always amazes me the strength of character and resilience shown by both the home owners and volunteers alike. The show is you @nickknowles and the wonderful team.It will be sadly missed by so many people. Fingers crossed @amazon will buy it."
Someone else wrote: "Don't normally message on instagram, but again @bbc out of touch. The programme give heart to our country and shown the best of our beautiful soulful people we have. Lots of other programs could have been cut way before DIYSOS."
Yet another added: "Such a shame, @bbc really making a mistake here, you help so many, I've been watching for years! I hope next year they reconsider, we will miss you, Billy, Gabby, Chris and the whole team."
During a recent slot on This Morning to discuss DIY SOS, Nick seemed visibly moved as he reflected on the programme's achievements. "[It celebrates] the best of communities all over the country," he explained. "Thousands and thousands of working class heroes, which you don't see much on TV."
"We don't get into those areas. We don't celebrate working class people, and that's the kind of community I came from. So it's a big deal for me to make sure that we represent [them]."
DIY SOS continues tonight at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
