NICK KNOWLES SAYS DIY SOS WILL CHANGE IF IT RETURNS

Nick Knowles said he had been told that DIY SOS would not return in its current form if the BBC brought it back. In an Instagram video ahead of Tuesday’s final episode of the current series, he said the broadcaster had shelved the programme rather than ended it. Knowles said any future version would be smaller and more cost-effective than its large building projects. The BBC has linked its decision to costs. Knowles said uncertainty about the programme’s future had left him emotional.

Knowles has presented DIY SOS since it began in 1999. He said the BBC One programme had built whole houses, hospices and premises for charities. About 26,000 people had taken part over its run, according to Knowles. He argued that the programme could not carry out such projects on a smaller scale. The final episode of the current series aired on Tuesday, 27 October, and featured a community build.

After the BBC shelved DIY SOS, a plasterer who had volunteered on a build started a petition to save the programme. The petition had gathered more than 40,000 signatures. Knowles thanked the volunteers, tradespeople and suppliers who had worked on DIY SOS. “It has been an honour to work with you all,” he said. Knowles said he had other work ahead, but doubted it would resemble his experience on the programme.