DIY SOS is to be rested by the BBC in 2027 after a 27-year run, a decision that has left presenter Nick Knowles reportedly 'devastated' and prompted fans to share their sadness online.
The BBC is halting the programme due to budget restraints, according to reports. The decision applies to 2027 programming; episodes from the recent DIY SOS 2026 series remain unaffected. DIY SOS first aired in October 1999 and has since spanned 243 episodes over 34 series, revamping to DIY SOS: The Big Build in 2010. The show sees tradesmen and local communities work together to help deserving families in their hour of need, with each project taking nine days to carry out what would normally be around six months' worth of work.
Spin-off commissioned instead
Instead of launching a full series of new, large-scale build projects in 2027, the BBC is commissioning a lower-budget spin-off series titled DIY SOS: Rebuilt My Life from producers South Shore. This prospective spin-off will revisit families and communities from past episodes to see how their lives were transformed.
The confirmation of the show taking a 'rest' came directly via an official statement issued by a BBC spokesperson to national media outlets. The spokesperson stated: "In light of 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 (working title) will revisit successes from the show's past and expand the brand on the BBC in a more cost-effective way next year."
Fans share their disappointment
Looking to vent their frustrations after the news, viewers used Nick's most recent Instagram post to declare their disappointment. Many shared the same three-word sentiment - that it was 'such a shame' the show is going. One wrote: "I really hope the BBC don't drop this show due to costs. It's one of the only programmes that shows communities come together for families that need it, such a shame if it is shelved."
While another added: "Feel for Nick and the team because you can see how committed everyone is to this programme." A third chimed in: "Damn I liked this, such a shame," as a fourth said: "Gutted to hear that the programme will be rested next due to budget constraints." Someone else fumed: "BBC only reason you still have audience for other shows is because of what DIY SOS do. As unlike other shows DIY SOS actually helps people. You made a massive mistake with this and cheap reruns won't work."
Another fan slammed: "The BBC's so out of touch with audience. We want feel good programmes. You cancelled Noel's Christmas Presents, original Top Gear and now DIY SOS. Get rid of politics shows. They are all depressing and biased." An insider also claimed to the Sun that Nick is devastated by the decision, saying: "Nick and the entire team are devastated. The decision, they were told, is down to cost-savings being needed. To them it's a slap in the face because so many people give their time and materials for nothing. Tears have been shed by all."
Children in Need special affected
The BBC has also confirmed there will be no DIY SOS: Big Build for Children in Need special this year.
