Nick Knowles has broken his silence after the BBC announced plans to rest DIY SOS in 2027.
The home renovation series, which the TV star has fronted since its launch in 1999, will be paused as part of wider cost-saving measures by the broadcaster.
DIY SOS began as a low-budget programme focused on fixing botched DIY jobs but evolved into DIY SOS: The Big Build in 2010.
The series went on to deliver full-scale home transformations for families facing serious illness, disability, or bereavement, rallying tradespeople and communities from across the UK to help those in need.
Nick Knowles breaks silence after BBC's DIY SOS rested
Mr Knowles said: "You may have already seen the news that DIY SOS is being put on 'pause'.
"Of course, I'm disappointed not to be filming the show next year or again in the same format we know and love.
"But I do understand there's no endless pot of money at the BBC and sometimes they have to make difficult decisions.
"Thank you for all the messages and comments over the weekend.
"It's so clear you share my sentiment and deep love for this show.
"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."
He also paid tribute to the people who made the show possible.
The statement continued: "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.
"I've always put my head above the parapet for tradespeople and this industry I love and I'll keep doing that.
"But for now, I want to say thank you to every family for sharing their story with us over the last 26 years.
"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."
Why is DIY SOS being rested?
The BBC confirmed last week that DIY SOS will be rested after its current series concludes, but insisted the show has not been axed.
A spin-off titled DIY SOS Rebuilt My Life will take its place, revisiting past projects and families in a more "cost-effective" format.
A BBC spokesperson said: "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."
The broadcaster also confirmed that the special Children In Need edition of DIY SOS, which delivers a large-scale charitable build each year, has been rested.
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The announcement comes amid a wider wave of cuts as the BBC looks to save £500 million over the next three years.
Other long-running shows to be cancelled include Blankety Blank, Celebrity Mastermind, and Live At The Apollo.
DIY SOS remains available to watch on BBC iPlayer, with new episodes currently airing on BBC One.
Are you a fan of DIY SOS? Let us know in the comments.
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