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DIY SOS hangs in the balance as Nick Knowles signs deal with rival

THE future of BBC hit show DIY SOS is in the balance after presenter Nick Knowles signed a major deal with rival Channel 5.

Beeb bosses are dragging their feet over a new series and cannot say when it will return.

DIY SOS is in the balance after Nick Knowles signed a deal with rival Channel 5, pictured with Prince William in 2015
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DIY SOS is in the balance after Nick Knowles signed a deal with rival Channel 5, pictured with Prince William in 2015Credit: AFP or licensors

The show, which sees Nick and his crew transform homes in need of upgrades, has been on air since 1999.

In 2015, Princes William and Harry joined the team.

But the last series was restricted to six episodes.

Nick, 58, was free to sign up with rival broadcasters after his exclusive deal with the BBC ended.

Nick was free to sign up with rival broadcasters after his exclusive deal with the BBC ended
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Nick was free to sign up with rival broadcasters after his exclusive deal with the BBC endedCredit: BBC

A source said: “DIY SOS has been a staple for years, so to see it not being prioritised is a bit strange.“

“The pandemic has not helped with delays. There appears to be no firm plan as to when it will return.”

Nick will present C5’s Your Life On Your Lawn, helping families declutter, and Home Improvements, offering practical advice to maximise home potential.

Princes William and Harry joined the team in 2015
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Princes William and Harry joined the team in 2015Credit: Xposure
Prince William joined Nick's crew on a major project to build a community centre in support of Grenfell Tower in 2018
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Prince William joined Nick's crew on a major project to build a community centre in support of Grenfell Tower in 2018Credit: Getty - Pool
Nick and his crew have been transforming homes on air since 1999
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Nick and his crew have been transforming homes on air since 1999Credit: WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digit

He said: “I’m excited to be working with Channel 5 on these new programmes.

“They have been channel of the year for two years and are making such good shows currently, it was a no brainer to join in.”

A BBC spokeswoman said: “Nick is not exclusive to the BBC and like many presenters, he is working across a range of services.

"There is no question that DIY SOS will return to BBC1, and filming will resume as soon as we can ensure the safety of our contributors and volunteers on builds at this time.”

Nick, who will present C5's Your Life On Your Lawn, said: 'I’m excited to be working with Channel 5 on these new programmes'
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Nick, who will present C5's Your Life On Your Lawn, said: 'I’m excited to be working with Channel 5 on these new programmes'Credit: Handout
A source said: 'DIY SOS has been a staple for years, so to see it not being prioritised is a bit strange'
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A source said: 'DIY SOS has been a staple for years, so to see it not being prioritised is a bit strange'Credit: BBC
Nick Knowles admits breaking down in tears in service station car parks after filming emotional DIY SOS scenes

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