DIY SOS celebrates 20 years on air with a special episode

DIY SOS will air a special one-off episode this year to celebrate 20 years on air.

First airing on the 7 October 1999, DIY SOS has broadcast over 200 episodes to date.

Award winning and with Royal participation, the TV build series engages communities around the UK and has seen 20,000 volunteers have given their time, completing over £16 million worth of builds.

In this 20th Anniversary special, DIY SOS Presenter, Nick Knowles hits the road to catch up with some of the inspirational people and communities who have excelled after DIY SOS completed their build and remind us why the programme has enjoyed such longevity.

On his travels across the length and breadth of the country, Nick returns to some of the series’ biggest and most challenging builds, including Canada Street in Manchester, The Yard in Edinburgh and, DIY SOS’s most logistically difficult and longest build, the construction of the Grenfell Community Centre and Dale Youth Boxing gym, amongst others.

Nick Knowles, DIY SOS’ presenter, said: “I’m really excited for people to see the anniversary show. So many of the people we have built for have taken what we’ve built and passed on the love and work ethic that the thousands of volunteers have shown over 20 years to improve people’s lives across the country.

“It’s a tribute to every supplier and volunteer and it’s full of emotion. You’ll laugh and cry I promise but you’ll also feel proud of us as a nation.”

The special will also see Nick call upon the trusted Purple Shirts, the tradesmen behind the transformations (Mark Millar, Chris Frediani, Julian Perryman and Billy Byrne), to help with some of the builds that people have set up in the wake of their DIY SOS experience.

Plus, he meets new people who continue to benefit from the lasting impact DIY SOS has had on families and communities around the UK.

The one-off episode will also feature some of DIY SOS’ most hilarious moments from over the years. From Billy swimming with sharks to Nick being ‘squashed’ by a falling bathtub, there are plenty of laughs as we look back over the last two decades.

David Brindley, Head of Popular Factual and Factual Entertainment, commented: “A true example of public service broadcasting, DIY SOS demonstrates the power of TV as a force for good. It is factual entertainment at its best: bringing communities together to help those in need.

“The BBC is proud to champion DIY SOS’ incredible work travelling the length and breadth of the nation to provide life-changing home makeovers for families that need it the most.”