BBC to rest DIY SOS after 27 years, Nick Knowles emotional on live TV
The BBC plans to replace the renovation series with a clip‑show format as part of a £500 million cost‑saving drive.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Nick Knowles, the long‑time host of the BBC’s DIY SOS, fought back tears during a live appearance on ITV’s This Morning as the corporation announced the show will be “rested” after 27 years on air.
What happened
On 17 September 2026 the BBC confirmed that DIY SOS, which first aired in 1999, would be taken off its regular schedule and replaced by a spin‑off composed of archival footage. The decision is part of a £500 million cost‑cutting programme the broadcaster aims to achieve over the next three years. The announcement came just days before Knowles’ interview on This Morning, where he discussed the programme’s community focus.
What the reports add
The Independent’s feature published on 18 October 2026 notes that the BBC’s move will see the series “rested” rather than outright cancelled, with a new format described as a “glorified clip show” similar to Grand Designs Revisited. The same outlet’s earlier piece on 18 October adds that the BBC’s decision was announced quietly, and that as of that day Knowles had not commented publicly and his social‑media accounts remained silent.
What was said
During the This Morning interview, Knowles said, “[It celebrates] the best of communities all over the country. Thousands and thousands of working‑class heroes, which you don’t see much on TV.” The Independent reported the quote in both articles. ITV presenter Ben Shephard later remarked that it was “never felt like a more important time” to see shows representing working‑class communities.
How it came about
DIY SOS evolved from a traditional home‑improvement format into a large‑scale community‑build programme, involving neighbours, tradespeople and local businesses. Over its 27‑year run the show has been praised for highlighting working‑class stories, a point Knowles reiterated in his interview. The BBC’s cost‑saving drive, which targets £500 million in cuts, prompted the decision to rest the series, according to the Independent’s reporting.
Key facts
- BBC announced DIY SOS will be rested after 27 years on air (independent.co.uk)
- The decision is part of a £500 million cost‑cutting programme (independent.co.uk)
- Nick Knowles fought back tears on This Morning while discussing the show (independent.co.uk)
