BBC "rests" DIY SOS in 2027 after 27 years, citing savings challenges

Right · 2The BBC has decided to rest DIY SOS, the renovation show hosted by Nick Knowles, in 2027, after 27 years on air. 1 2 Right · 2A BBC spokesperson attributed the decision to "savings challenges" and said the corporation will commission a new spin-off from producers South Shore, DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life (a working title), which will revisit successes from the show's past in what the BBC called a more cost-effective way. 1 2 Right · 2The Daily Mail links the move to the BBC's previously announced £500 million savings plan; there will also be no Big Build for Children in Need this year. 1 2

Right · 1The show began in 1999 as a low-budget format fixing botched renovations and became DIY SOS: The Big Build in 2010, with tradespeople and volunteers transforming homes for families dealing with severe illness or disability. 1 Right · 2Last year's Children in Need special built a children's cancer care unit in Northwich, Cheshire, which GB News puts at £1 million and 12 days; the Daily Mail describes it as nearly doubling the size of The Joshua Tree cancer support facility. 2 1 Right · 2Unnamed sources, quoted by The Sun and relayed by both outlets, say Knowles and the team are devastated and see the decision as a "slap in the face", and one called it a "disgusting outrage" that a show helping the needy was cut for being "too expensive". 1 2

Right · 2Insiders also say the team fear the show is permanently axed: one source said that when they asked whether it would return in 2028 or 2029, the BBC could not give an answer. The BBC insists it is only resting the show. 2 1 Right · 2The Daily Mail lists other BBC cancellations, including RuPaul's Drag Race, Football Focus, Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live at the Apollo. It contacted Knowles's representative for comment, and GB News said it had approached the BBC for further comment. 1 2