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Nick Knowles has shared his 'disappointment' as DIY SOS is axed after 26 years on air as part of the BBC's widely publicised £500million savings plan.
The presenter, 64, said 'there's no endless pot of money as the BBC' as the outlet is preparing to launch a lower-cost spin-off series, DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life, which will revisit successful transformations from the programme's past.
Nick said it has been an 'honour' to front the hit show for over two decades as he shared a series of throwback snaps, including one with Prince William and Prince Harry, on Instagram on Monday.
He 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.'
Nick Knowles has shared his 'disappointment' as DIY SOS is axed after 26 years on air as part of the BBC's widely publicised £500million savings plan
The presenter, 64, said 'there's no endless pot of money as the BBC' as the outlet is preparing to launch a lower-cost spin-off series, which will revisit successful transformations
He continued: '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.
'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.
'I’ve always put my head above the parapet for tradespeople and this industry I love and I’ll keep doing that.'
He concluded: 'But for now, I want to say thank you to every family for sharing their story with us over the last 26 years.
'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.'
Nick fronted the show alongside his team electrician Billy Byrne, plasterer Chris Frediani, and designer Gabrielle Blackman, who are also said to be devastated by the decision.
There will also be no Big Build for Children In Need this year.
Nick said it has been an 'honour' to front the hit show for over two decades as he shared a series of throwback snaps on Instagram
He wrote: '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'
He added: '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'
Nick fronted the show alongside his team electrician Billy Byrne, plasterer Chris Frediani, and designer Gabrielle Blackman, who are also said to be devastated by the decision
Nick shared a series of throwback snaps from over the last two decades
A BBC Spokesperson told the Daily Mail: '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.'
The show began all the way back in 1999 as a low-budget format fixing botched renovations.
In 2010, it evolved into DIY SOS: The Big Build, rallying local tradespeople and volunteers to completely transform homes for families dealing with severe illness or disability.
Series 35 is currently airing on TV, with episodes like Bringing Dan Home, where a village pulled together to modify a house for a teenager with complex disabilities.
Last year, Children In Need's Big Build saw the team and local volunteers nearly double the size of The Joshua Tree cancer support facility (supporting nearly 400 families).
They added a gym, new therapy and counselling rooms, safe play areas, and family accommodation.
The BBC previously announced it was seeking to make £500million in savings.
DIY SOS is the latest show to be culled, after RuPaul's Drag Race was axed following 11 series.
The hit show first premiered on the channel in 2019 as it showcased British drag stars and the LGBTQ+ culture like never before.
Meanwhile, Football Focus was axed after 52 years at the end of the season – amid long-running accusations that it has gone woke.
The show had been a Saturday lunchtime staple since 1974, but in recent years viewing figures have dwindled as it has been criticised for being increasingly frivolous and right-on.
Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live at the Apollo were also cancelled, as the corporation makes further financial savings.
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