Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team are returning for a brand new series after three years away – so get your tissues at the ready. 

The BBC show is adored by millions who love to watch Nick and his army of builders transform the lives of families up and down the country.

The new series of DIY SOS is no exception and even features two specials. One will see the cast of the BBC’s Gladiators lending a hand. Here’s what we know about the new series of DIY SOS, including how many episodes and its start date.

DIY SOS: Nick Knowles is back

Nick is returning to the BBC for a series of more incredible transformations. The show has been on screens since 1999 and changed the lives of hundreds of families as a result.

Each episode sees Nick and his DIY SOS tradesmen arrive at the home of a family who is struggling with their current living arrangements. They will then issue a call to arms to the local community for help.

As the show unfolds, Nick and his enormous team – comprising of local builders to plumbers, carpenters and electricians who have given up their time for free – work around the clock to transform the property. Often, the houses need adapting for children or adults living with a disability or life-limiting condition.

Nick says: “I’m so excited to have DIY SOS back on our screens – I think it will remind people how many good, generous people there are across the country willing to help out others in their time of need.

“We also share much more of what it takes physically and emotionally to fulfil the promises we make to families and communities with our huge builds. Still emotional and fun as it always has been, there’s faces old and new on the team and the usual cast of thousands.”

‘Powerful stories’

The BBC has said the new series of DIY SOS will feature “powerful” stories. They include the transformation of a house for a young girl called Isla. She is living with the rare genetic condition Mandibuloacral Dysplasia. This affects bone growth and causes premature aging of major organs.

The DIY SOS team will also be visiting the home of the Scott family. The family has been hit with tragedy following the loss of mum Zoe. Youngest son Seth, who has four older siblings, is blind and autistic. Nick and the team will work to create a safe and accessible home for the Scotts.

Viewers will also watch two other incredible builds. The team will visit Swansea in Wales and double the footprint of a family home.

The other takes place in Bracknell, Berkshire, which is home to Rafi Amer. Rafi was rushed to hospital age seven in 2023 with symptoms of a stomach bug. He had in fact contracted E-coli, suffered heart failure and almost died. Rafi has been left with severe disabilities as a result.

The series will be an emotional but inspirational watch, so prepare yourselves.

Who is Nick Knowles?

Nick Knowles has presented DIY SOS since its launch 26 years ago. He is best known for fronting the BBC show, but has presented the National Lottery quiz, Who Dares Wins, and the talent show, Last Choir Standing.

Nick has also hosted a string of wildlife programmes. These include Mission Africa, which saw a team of volunteers build a game reserve in Kenya. Nick fronted BBC’s Saving Planet Earth and Wildest Dreams.

Nick finished eighth in the 2018 series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of here!. Last year, he tried his luck in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom. Unfortunately, he was forced to withdraw after suffering a serious knee injury and shoulder. Nick underwent surgery on his injuries earlier this year.

In June this year, Nick married businesswoman Katie Dadzie. Nick is also a dad-of-four following two previous marriages. He is a keen musician and has released several singles and an album.

When does DIY SOS start?

You haven’t got long to wait. The new series of DIY SOS starts on Friday October 3, 2025. It airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm.

There are four standard episodes in the new series. They will all be an hour long. The BBC has also announced two additional specials. One has been filmed to mark this year’s Children in Need, which takes place in November. The stars of BBC’s Gladiators will also be lending a hand in a festive Christmas episode in December.

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DIY SOS returns at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday October 3, 2025.