Fans of BBC One programme DIY SOS have slammed the broadcaster after learning it is to be "rested" after 27 years. Over the past three decades, the programme has had a tremendous effect on families across the UK, even building a £1million children's cancer unit in just 12 days.
Viewers react with 'such a shame'
In an episode that aired this week, viewers shared tears with host Nick Knowles after he helped in managing to get 16-year-old Dan home from hospital after three years with a house transformation to make it accessible enough for his complex disabilities.
Now, the BBC is understood to be pausing the show owing to budgetary constraints, which has reportedly left Nick "devastated". The move affects 2027 scheduling though instalments from the latest DIY SOS are to go ahead as planned.
Show's history and spin-off plans
The show first aired in October 1999 and has subsequently delivered 243 episodes across 34 series, evolving into DIY SOS: The Big Build in 2010. It features tradespeople and local communities collaborating to assist deserving families during difficult times - with each transformation completed in a staggering nine days - jobs that would typically take six months in ordinary circumstances.
Instead of launching a full new series of 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 will catch up with families and communities from previous episodes to discover how their lives have transformed since their appearance on the show.
Official statement and fan backlash
Confirmation of the show taking a "rest" came directly via an official statement issued by a BBC spokesperson to national media outlets. It read: "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."
Seeking to express their frustrations following the announcement, viewers used host Nick's latest Instagram post to voice their dismay. A number of his followers shared the identical three-word response - that it was "such a shame" the show is going.
One commented: "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." Another viewer contributed: "Feel for Nick and the team because you can see how committed everyone is to this programme." A third remarked: "Gutted to hear that the programme will be rested next due to budget constraints."
While a fourth person slammed: "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." A fifth also said: "Damn I liked this, such a shame."
Nick Knowles 'devastated' and Children in Need special axed
An insider also told the Sun that Nick is devastated by the decision, stating: "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."
The BBC has also confirmed that the DIY SOS: Big Build for Children in Need special will not be going ahead this year. Last year, the show raised a whopping £807,369 after taking on an ambitious project to expand and transform The Joshua Tree, a children's cancer support charity in Cheshire.
