BBC Axes DIY SOS After 26 Years Amid Cost-Saving Measures
Presenter Nick Knowles expresses disappointment as the long-running renovation show is put on 'pause' in favor of a lower-cost spin-off.
Presenter Nick Knowles has shared his "disappointment" following the BBC's decision to axe the long-running show DIY SOS after 26 years on air. The move is part of the broadcaster's wider £500 million savings plan, which has led to the cancellation or restructuring of several programs.
Knowles acknowledged the financial realities facing the BBC, stating, "there's no endless pot of money." He expressed sadness at not filming the show in its familiar format next year but shared his gratitude for the 26 years he has spent with the program.
"It’s so clear you share my sentiment and deep love for this show," Knowles wrote on Instagram, thanking viewers, tradespeople, suppliers, and volunteers. "For 26 years it’s been an honour and a privilege to be part of DIY SOS and I’ve loved nothing more than making it."
A BBC spokesperson confirmed that DIY SOS is being "rested" in 2027, with a new spin-off series, DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life, set to launch. This new format will revisit past transformations, aiming for a more cost-effective way to expand the brand. The decision means there will also be no Big Build episode for Children In Need this year.
Knowles highlighted the importance of the show's participants, calling them "the beating heart of SOS." He praised the thousands of tradespeople and volunteers who have contributed over the years, describing them as "kind, hardworking people and real working-class heroes coming together to build a better community."
The show, which began in 1999 as a low-budget renovation fix-up program, evolved in 2010 into DIY SOS: The Big Build. This iteration rallied local tradespeople and volunteers to transform homes for families facing severe illness or disability.
Recent seasons have featured impactful episodes such as "Bringing Dan Home," which showcased a community effort to adapt a house for a teenager with complex disabilities. Last year's Children In Need's Big Build project significantly expanded The Joshua Tree, a cancer support facility, adding new amenities for families.
DIY SOS is among several programs affected by the BBC's cost-saving measures. Other cancellations include RuPaul's Drag Race, Football Focus after 52 years, Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind, and Live at the Apollo. The BBC announced its intention to make £500 million in savings as part of its strategic review.