By NIOMI HARRIS, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER
Published: | Updated:
Nick Knowles has revealed that he's taken time to 'clear my head' as he enjoyed a trip to the coast following his show DIY SOS being axed after 27 years.
It was revealed earlier this month that the show, hosted by Nick, 64, has been rested as part of the BBC's widely publicised £500million savings plan.
And taking to his Instagram on Friday, Nick shared snaps of himself in scenic locations as he enjoyed a trip to Cornwall, sharing his gratitude for fans' support amid his bad news.
Nick wrote in his caption: 'Back in God’s own country - all my life I have come to Cornwall to clear my head - drive back slower than you drive down they say - and it still works today.'
After describing some of Cornwall's history, he added: 'This weekend the wind is howling and the sea is crashing against the rocks in the north - but as you can see on the south side it’s calm and gentle. I arrived like the north - I’ll return like the south. I ❤️ Cornwall.'
The TV star concluded: 'And thank you for all your messages from the SOS family which is huge, diverse and thoughtful.'
Nick Knowles has revealed that he's taken time to 'clear my head' as he enjoyed a trip to the coast following his show DIY SOS being axed after 27 years
It was revealed earlier this month that the show, hosted by Nick, 64, has been rested as part of the BBC's widely publicised £500million savings plan
Nick recently revealed his 'disappointment' and said 'there's no endless pot of money at 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.
Nick and his team – who include electrician Billy Byrne, plasterer Chris Frediani and designer Gabrielle Blackman – are said to be devastated by the decision and feel it is a 'slap in the face'.
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.'
But insiders said the team fear the show will now be permanently axed.
'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,' a source said.
'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.'
Taking to his Instagram on Friday, Nick shared snaps of himself in scenic locations as he enjoyed a trip to Cornwall, sharing his gratitude for fans' support amid his bad news
Nick wrote in his caption: 'Back in God’s own country - all my life I have come to Cornwall to clear my head - drive back slower than you drive down they say - and it still works today'
DIY SOS began all the way back in 1999 as a low-budget format fixing botched renovations
They said to The Sun: 'Nick and the entire team are devastated, the decision, they were told, is down to cost-savings being needed. To them it’s a slap in the face because so many people give their time and materials for nothing.'
The TV insider added 'tears have been shed by all' and the team feels the BBC 'are turning their back' on communities and charities who need their help more than ever.
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.
