DIY SOS to be 'rested' next year to save money, BBC says
BBC News
The long-running home renovation TV series DIY SOS will be "rested" next year, the BBC has announced. Sources at the corporation denied reports in the Sun newspaper that the programme would be axed as part of a plan to make savings. Instead, it will be replaced by a spin-off show featuring highlights from past episodes.
Presented by Nick Knowles, DIY SOS sees a team transform the homes of families facing severe illness, disability, bereavement or building disasters.
Initially focusing on small-scale renovations, the show has tackled a number of more ambitious projects throughout its multiple-decade run, including:
- A 2015 special involving hundreds of volunteers, Prince William and Prince Harry building housing for veterans in Manchester.
- A 2018 two-part special supporting survivors and the community affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
- A recent episode helping a family overhaul their property to allow their disabled son to receive treatment at home.
The 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."
This decision follows the cancellation of several well-known BBC shows, including Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind and Live At The Apollo, as part of the corporation's drive to save £500m over three years.