Nick Knowles has received an outpouring of support after sharing an emotional statement about the end of DIY SOS. The 64-year-old presenter, who has fronted the property show since it launched in 1999, recently confirmed that the BBC has axed the programme.
Over the years, the show has transformed the lives of families across the UK, including building a £1million children's cancer unit in just 12 days. Although there is a chance the show could return in the future, Knowles has been told it will never come back at the scale it once was.
Emotional tribute marks 'end of an era'
Marking the "end of an era," Knowles took to Instagram to share a tribute reflecting on the show's achievements over the past 27 years. He expressed gratitude to everyone who worked on the show, especially those who went "overlooked," as well as the large companies that showed "care and compassion" during projects.
"Well, it's been 27 years of my life. It's been like a family - or a band on tour - somewhere in between maybe," Knowles began. "I've asked and been told - if it comes back it won't be whole houses, it won't be huge buildings for charities - so it's the end of an era."
Proud of the show's legacy
"Proud of all who worked their socks off. Proud of what it's done for families and charities. Proud of the hope it gave people," he continued. "Proud we kept the family and trades at the centre of it. Proud we didn't think TV was the most important thing going on each time. Proud of the empathy shown by the entire team to the families."
"Proud of how it represented the generosity and spirit of the trades that all turned up and worked their arses off when they often couldn't pay the bills at home. It's been about them. The often overlooked, never fairly represented working classes. Small business owners. Self employed traders."
He added: "And all the bigger companies that showed their care and compassion that had nothing to do with corporate gain. True altruism. It's always been about them - even when we haven't shown it."
Fans react with support
Knowles concluded: "Thank you to every trade, supplier and volunteer. Thank you to the families for sharing. Thank you to every one who switched on their TV and learned and laughed and cried. There's plenty more telly to do and shows to make and fun to be had …. but there'll never be anything close to this - and it was always more than just a TV programme." He signed off the post with a red heart emoji.
Followers flooded the comments with messages of support. Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri wrote: "Nick you're amazing! Changed so many people's lives in the most beautiful way. Should be so so proud of everything you and the team have achieved."
Another commented: "This is a really dreadful decision by the @bbc and one I hope is revisited. If not, another channel needs to pick this up. @netflixuk or @channel4 maybe? When we're living in such difficult times, when so many people are struggling and we're more divided than ever, DIY SOS is such a beacon of light and hope. We need more, not less of this kind of thing."
A third echoed: "From someone who has benefited hugely from one of your charity builds, @little.miraclescharity , I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done." A fourth shared: "Knowlesy - you have changed so many lives and shown how communities do look after each other. We're not a bad country after all! And for the legacy to veterans in Manchester, thank you. Here's to whatever is next." Another added: "BBC should be ashamed of themselves cancelling this show. A show that actually does something AMAZING for real people!!"
