For more than 20 years, BBC viewers have seen hundreds of homes renovated as people come together to help families transform their homes. Originally aired in 1999, the show’s original purpose was to give people at home the chance to get tedious DIY tasks professionally completed.
This popular show has expanded in length and scope over the years and was first performed by Lori Turner and Nick Knowles. It didn’t take long for other hosts such as Billy Byrne, Julian Perryman and Chris Frediani to join the duo before Mark Millar joined them.
Initially, viewers voted each week to choose one of three families they thought was the most fitting case. In 2010, the show revamped its format and added Big Build to the show’s name as viewers watched teams complete larger projects within the show.
In addition to the expert team, local vendors also participated, volunteering their time and materials to contribute to community projects.
The show has been off our screens for the past two years, but it has been announced that DIY SOS: The Big Build will be returning to the BBC under the guidance of new production company South Shore.
To celebrate the renovation show’s 25th anniversary, here’s a look at what the presenters are up to.
After eight series, Lori Turner decided to leave DIY SOS.
However, since stepping away from the spotlight, Lori now works as a nutritionist and hypnotherapist specializing in weight loss.
The former presenter also writes about health in many newspapers and magazines.
She has written two health books and is a regular panellist on Channel Five’s series The Wright Stuff.
Nick has been a part of DIY SOS since its inception and has appeared on various television shows.
The 62-year-old has appeared on 5-Star Family Reunion, I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Nick Knowles in South America and even had a cameo in Hollyoaks. are.
He is currently taking part in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk.
Outside of his television work, Nick has four children and has been married twice.
Last year, he got engaged to Katie Dassey after they met at his son’s play centre.
Billy has also been part of DIY SOS since the beginning and has been a firm fan favorite over the years.
Billy is an electrician from Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, who learned his trade in the 60s.
Billy, known as the “Prince of Darkness” on the show, is a clown among the team and is often the butt of jokes.
Sadly, his daughter Emma died at the age of 20 from cancer, but he spoke little about the tragedy on a 2020 episode of BBC DIY SOS.
At the time he said: “We have to accept that she has been a part of our lives for 20 years. Let’s talk about the 20 wonderful and happy years she was. I can stop crying, but… It’s difficult.”
At the age of 16, Julien began his career in architecture, building new homes with his father.
Known as a skilled and versatile architect, BBC viewers often see Julian helping out with non-structural tasks such as plastering.
I’ve known fellow DIY SOS star Chris Frediani since we were in middle school together.
Even though they run their own businesses, they often worked together before joining the renovation show.
Chris started plastering at the age of 17 and has gone on to become an extremely versatile plasterer.
