The BBC has confirmed that DIY SOS will not return in its current format, with project manager Ian Hodgkinson expressing his devastation over the decision to shelve the long-running renovation programme.
Last month, presenter Nick Knowles announced that DIY SOS would not return to screens next year due to costs at the BBC. Since then, Hodgkinson has spoken about the show being shelved for the foreseeable future, issuing a warning that its impact goes far beyond renovating houses.
Project manager speaks out
Hodgkinson said: "My heart also goes out to the real stars of each show, and that is the trades, the suppliers and volunteers who day after day make the build transformation happen."
"I'm devastated. People see an incredible transformation on television, but what we're really building is a chance for a family to live differently. It might mean a child sleeping in their own bedroom, a parent no longer having to carry them upstairs, or somebody finally feeling safe in their own home."
He added: "We're changing lives, and the thought of families missing out on that opportunity is incredibly difficult."
Spin-off in the works
Although the BBC has shared that a spin-off is in the works, revisiting previous transformations in its place, Hodgkinson shared his hopes for future transformations on the show, stating "there are still families who need us."
One of the families the programme has helped over the years includes nine-year-old Isla's, who has a rare genetic condition affecting bone growth and causing premature ageing of major organs called Mandibuloacral Dysplasia. Hodgkinson was heavily involved in transforming Isla's family home, as her mum, Stacy, confessed the difference has been life-changing, as everything before the team helped was a struggle.
Family impact
She commented: "It never felt like a home, just a house. DIY SOS gave us back our lives. It took a massive weight off my shoulders. Isla can live comfortably now. She has her own bedroom where she can dance and do her makeup. She can just be a nine-year-old."
Stacy shared that it breaks her heart that other families who are struggling could miss out on the opportunity to get help. Speaking about Hodgkinson's connection with the families once the show finishes filming, she added: "Ian became part of our family. He genuinely cares. He wants to make life easier for people, and that care doesn't stop when the cameras leave."
Hodgkinson praised the generosity seen on the show by the volunteers and tradespeople who give up their working days and income to help the builds. He added: "DIY SOS shows what our industry can achieve when everyone pulls together. It celebrates skill, graft and kindness, and gives people a reason to believe in their communities. I'm proud of every build, but it's the families who stay with you. You remember what life was like when you arrived and what becomes possible when you leave."
BBC statement
Addressing the programme's hiatus, a BBC spokesperson stated: "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 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
