Nick Knowles breaks silence over DIY SOS cuts as fans brand BBC move 'a very bad decision'
The Beeb has been called 'out of touch'Nick Knowles has spoken out about the BBC’s decision to ditch DIY SOS, sharing his “disappointment” with viewers.
The move to rest DIY SOS amid budget cuts has sparked huge criticism from fans of the show.
They have spoken out in their droves, praising the life-changing work Nick and his team have done over the last 27 years.
The BBC has even been branded “out of touch” for deciding to axe the show over other programmes.
Nick Knowles breaks silence over DIY SOS cuts
Writing on social media, Nick spoke for the first time since the news broke. He focused on the people whose contributions made the programme possible.
Nick also shared a gallery of shots taken of himself, the team and volunteers over the last almost three decades.
Nick wrote: “You may have already seen the news that DIY SOS is being put on ‘pause’. Of course, I’m disappointed not to be filming the show next year or again in the same format we know and love.
“But I do understand there’s no endless pot of money at the BBC and sometimes they have to make difficult decisions.
“Thank you for all the messages and comments over the weekend. It’s so clear you share my sentiment and deep love for this show. 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.”
‘It really is the best of Britain’
Nick continued: “What I always come back to is that it’s the people who are the beating heart of SOS.
“Over the years we’ve had thousands of tradespeople, suppliers and volunteers, all people trying to make their own living, who have shown up time and time again for the families who need it most.
“Kind, hardworking people and real working-class heroes coming together to build a better community. It really is the best of Britain and we need to see more of it on telly.”
Nick also pledged to continue supporting the industry: “I’ve always put my head above the parapet for tradespeople and this industry I love and I’ll keep doing that,” he continued.
“But for now, I want to say thank you to every family for sharing their story with us over the last 26 years.”
His thanks extended to those behind the scenes and watching at home, with Nick adding: “To the volunteers, production team, purple shirts, commissioners and everyone watching at home, we couldn’t have done this without you.
“And to everyone who hasn’t seen the series yet, give it a watch. I promise your heart will be warmed.”
DIY SOS viewers criticise BBC’s decision to ‘pause’ show
Nick has been swamped with comments from DIY SOS fans. Many have been quick to slam the BBC’s decision to ‘pause’ the show and are questioning the broadcaster’s priorities.
One viewer told Nick: “I’m sorry but there are other programmes they could have ‘paused’ or ended and DIY SOS is not it. This programme is so uplifting and shows how communities come together. We need more of this not less.”
Another added: “Don’t normally message on instagram, but again @bbc out of touch. The programme give heart to our country and shown the best of our beautiful soulful people we have. Lots of other programs could have been cut way before DIYSOS.”
A third penned: “A very bad decision by the BBC. The show is such an uplifting feel good watch and in this current climate just what we all need to watch.
“It always amazes me the strength of character and resilience shown by both the home owners and volunteers alike. The show is you @nickknowles and the wonderful team.It will be sadly missed by so many people.”
Others have shared their hopes for streaming giant Amazon to snap up the show, like it did with Top Gear.
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A BBC spokesperson said: “In light of the BBC’s savings challenges we have taken the decision to rest DIY SOS in 2027 and commission a new spin-off show instead from producers South Shore.
“DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life will revisit successes from the show’s past and expand the brand on the BBC in a more cost-effective way next year.”
When is DIY SO on next?
Nick has also shared a video on Instagram to remind fans that the show is still on. DIY SOS’s penultimate episode of the current series will air tonight (Tuesday October 20, 2026) on BBC One.
The show starts at 8pm and viewers will see Nick and the DIY SOS tacking a big renovation in North Wales.
Nick once again thanked fans for their support. He added: “This is to remind you that DIY SOS is on tonight. It is the second to last one in this series.
“It’s an amazing build. Normally it’s the building that causes problems. In this one, it’s actually the weather that fought back at us in a very big way in North Wales. But it’s a lovely community and it’s a fabulous build.”
Get the tissues ready.
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DIY SOS continues at 8pm on BBC One on Tuesday October 20, 2026.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI technology to synthesise source reporting and structured data. It has been reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by our human editorial team before publication.
