They’re not finished yet
We look at how DIY SOS has been nailing it down for 20 years
MORE than 20,000 volunteers have helped Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team to complete building projects costing more than £16m over the past two decades.
They have helped families dealing with bereavement and disability, given a helping hand to community projects and created a “veteran’s village” on the outskirts of Manchester.
It all began for the BBC favourite 20 years ago on October 7, 1999, when Nick Knowles and Lowri Turner presented the first series.
There have now been more than 200 episodes and Nick and his trusted Purple Shirts – tradesmen Mark Miller, Chris Frediani, Julian Perryman and Billy Byrne – regularly reach an audience of more than seven million.
Nick says: “It started out as six people having a laugh and decorating a single room and has grown to 62 derelict houses being turned into homes for veterans, or building a gym and a community centre for former Grenfell residents.
“It has a far greater impact and
reach then we ever imagined, which is down to the incredible volunteers who give up their time and energy to make other people’s lives better.”
He remembers: “The early years were hilarious and manic and like being on tour with a band – that and thinking we won’t get commissioned for any more after these first six shows.”
The series has gone on to acquire a few royal helpers over the years. Prince William put on a hard hat to lend a helping hand for the Grenfell Tower special and both he and his brother Harry visited the 2017 project to redevelop derelict homes for ex-service personnel.
Executive producer Paolo Proto says: “DIY SOS is a programme that goes beyond ratings and TV schedules.
“As a production team, we are constantly amazed by the selfless generosity and spirit of the people who make the seemingly impossible possible. To be on a DIY SOS build is a life affirming experience.”
Have Nick’s building skills improved at all over the last 20 years?
“I’ve had a 20-year apprenticeship – I reckon I could build Windsor castle now…
“Well, with the help of the Purple Shirts, of course.”