More than 50,000 people have signed a petition calling on the BBC to reconsider its decision to rest DIY SOS, following news that the long-running renovation show will pause in 2027. Nick Knowles, who has fronted the programme since 1999, has received widespread support from fans and contributors.
Petition Launched by Former Contributor
The petition, started by David Claydon, a plasterer from Barnsley who contributed to the show in 2025, urges the BBC board to reverse the decision. At the time of writing, it had reached 54,643 signatures.
David said: "In 2025, I had the extraordinary privilege of contributing to a show on the BBC that has made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals. This wasn’t just another reality TV series; it was a beacon of hope for those struggling in difficult circumstances... Ending it means turning away from those in need and ignoring the good it brings."
Show's History and BBC Decision
DIY SOS first aired in 1999, helping transform the homes of families facing severe illness, disability, bereavement or building disasters. It began as a low-budget show with Nick and a small team assisting homeowners with botched DIY projects, and relaunched as DIY SOS: The Big Build in 2010, focusing on larger-scale projects with local community help.
Last month, the BBC confirmed the show will be "rested" after its latest series, but said it has not been axed. A new spin-off, DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life, produced by South Shore, will revisit successes from the show's past and expand the brand in a more cost-effective way.
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."
Impact and Support
The annual DIY SOS Children in Need special has also been paused, as part of the BBC's plan to save £500 million over three years. Nick admitted he was "disappointed" with the decision, and praised contributors to the show as "real working class heroes" and "the best of Britain".
In the supporter comments section of the petition, many contributors shared their experiences. Daniel Nicholls, a previous DIY SOS volunteer, said: "As someone who volunteered to help rebuild my godson's house after he had a tragic turn to his health. The family would not have been able to cope with what they had. DIY SOS made a massive difference to that family’s life."
Darren Daniels, involved in the Joshua Tree build, commented: "I witnessed first-hand how important this work is and the massive positive impact it has on those who benefit." Heather Leaver, part of a DIY SOS project in her hometown, added: "The work carried out by DIY SOS not only changed the lives of young people and staff at the Nightsafe project at the time, but for the future."
The petition's growth reflects the show's enduring impact on communities across Britain, as supporters await the BBC's response to their calls for a reversal.
