BBC sparks outrage after axing classic TV show after 27 years to save cash

The renovation show, starring Nick Knowles, first aired in 1999 and follows a team transforming the homes of those most in need across the country.

DIY SOS famously features special episodes for BBC charity Children in Need as part of its The Big Build format.

The show has featured many famous faces over its run of almost three decades, including Princes Harry and William in a veterans special in 2015.

According to The Sun, the news of the axe has “devastated” Mr Knowles and the entire crew involved in the production.

A source declared that the decision is a “disgusting outrage”.

They told the publication: “It’s a disgusting outrage that a BBC show, which genuinely helps some of the neediest people in our country, is being shut down because it’s basically seen as ‘too expensive’.

“DIY SOS is one of the few shows on television that genuinely represents working-class people.

“Thousands of tradesmen and women offer their time, and often the materials, for free to people in need, even when they’re struggling to make ends meet themselves.

“These decent people give the most they can to people who have the least and DIY SOS shines a light on them.”

The BBC claimed that they are choosing to axe the DIY-based programme on the basis of “savings challenges”.

The axe will be implemented next year, but the broadcaster insists it is only “resting” the show temporarily.

However, staff are said to have told The Sun they believe the decision to cancel DIY SOS is “permanent”.

A source said: “It feels like they’re too spineless to say what we all know: DIY SOS has been axed.

“We were told it was being paused, but when we asked whether it would come back in 2028 or 2029 they couldn’t give us an answer.”

In a further blow to the show, the Big Build for Children in Need this year will not be going ahead.

Last year’s charity special saw Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team construct a £1million children’s cancer care unit in Northwich, Cheshire in just 12 days.

In a statement, a BBC spokesman told The Sun: “In light of 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 (working title) will revisit successes from the show’s past and expand the brand on the BBC in a more cost-effective way next year.”

GB News has approached the public broadcaster for further comment.