Nick Knowles Takes Break on Coast After DIY SOS Axed

Nick Knowles has revealed he is taking time to "clear my head" by visiting the coast, following the news that his long-running BBC show, "DIY SOS," has been rested after 27 years.

It was announced earlier this month that the program, which Knowles has hosted, is being paused as part of the BBC's £500 million savings initiative. On Friday, Knowles shared images on Instagram from scenic locations in Cornwall, expressing gratitude for fan support.

"Back in God’s own country - all my life I have come to Cornwall to clear my head - drive back slower than you drive down they say - and it still works today," Knowles wrote in his caption. He described the contrast between the windy north coast and the calm south coast, stating, "I arrived like the north - I’ll return like the south. I ❤️ Cornwall."

He concluded his message by thanking his followers for their supportive messages, referring to them as the "SOS family."

Knowles recently expressed "disappointment," acknowledging that "there's no endless pot of money at the BBC." The broadcaster is planning a lower-cost spin-off series, "DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life," which will revisit past successful transformations.

Knowles shared throwback photos on Instagram, including one with Prince William and Prince Harry, calling it an "honour" to have hosted the show for over two decades. Insiders reported that Knowles and his team, including electrician Billy Byrne, plasterer Chris Frediani, and designer Gabrielle Blackman, were devastated by the decision, viewing it as a "slap in the face."

A BBC spokesperson confirmed the decision to rest "DIY SOS" in 2027 and commission the spin-off from producers South Shore, stating it would "expand the brand on the BBC in a more cost-effective way next year."

However, some sources suggested the team fears the show could be permanently canceled. One insider told The Sun, "It’s a disgusting outrage that a BBC show, which genuinely helps some of the neediest people in our country, is being shut down because it’s basically seen as too expensive." The source highlighted that "DIY SOS" is one of the few shows representing working-class people, with many tradespeople donating their time and materials.

"Nick and the entire team are devastated," the insider added, explaining that the decision was attributed to cost savings. "To them it’s a slap in the face because so many people give their time and materials for nothing." The team reportedly feels the BBC is "turning their back" on communities and charities. "DIY SOS" initially began in 1999 as a lower-budget program focused on fixing renovation mistakes. It evolved in 2010 into "DIY SOS: The Big Build," mobilizing local tradespeople and volunteers to renovate homes for families facing severe illness or disability. The current series, Series 35, features episodes such as "Bringing Dan Home," where a community effort was made to adapt a house for a teenager with complex disabilities.