Longtime DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles has spoken out following the news that the popular home renovation show was being "rested" by the BBC.
The broadcaster said it had made the decision in light of "savings challenges" and that it would be replaced by a spin-off show featuring highlights from past episodes.
The BBC also denied reports that the show was being axed altogether as part of budget cuts.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKnowles, who has fronted the show since its inception in 1999, admitted he was "disappointed" by the news that the show was changing format but understood that the BBC had to make "difficult decisions".
He also thanked fans for their messages and comments since the news emerged last week: "It's so clear you share my sentiment and deep love for this show," he wrote in a post to Instagram.
He continued: "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."
AdvertisementAdvertisementPresented by Knowles, DIY SOS follows a team of experts as they transform the homes of families dealing with illness, bereavement, disability or building nightmares.
It is currently airing its 35th series on BBC One and iPlayer.
The BBC's decision to axe the current incarnation of the show comes as it endeavours to save £500m over the next three years. Shows that have been cancelled outright include gameshows Blankey Blank and Celebrity Mastermind, and the stand-up comedy programme Live at the Apollo.
DIY SOS, hosted by Nick Knowles, first aired in 1999 and helps transform the homes of families who are facing severe illness, disability, bereavement or building disasters (Getty)
A BBC spokesperson said last week: "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.
AdvertisementAdvertisement"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."
In his own statement, Knowles said he prided himself on standing up for tradespeople and planned to continue in that vein: "But for now, I want to say thank you to every family for sharing their story with us over the last 26 years."
He concluded: "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."
