Ilkeston-based construction boss devastated as BBC show DIY SOS is ‘shelved’

The cast of the six-part BBC Three documentary - 'Brickies' on which, Ian played a major part.

Ilkeston DIY SOS Project Manager Ian Hodgkinson says he is devastated by the decision to ‘rest’ the BBC programme, warning its impact goes far beyond renovating houses.

The Project Manager and construction industry champion says the show is more than bricks and mortar giving struggling families independence, dignity and hope.

He said: “My heart also goes out to the real stars of each show and that is the trades, the suppliers and volunteers who day after day make the build transformation happen.”

His comments come as the BBC confirmed the main series would be rested in 2027, with a spin-off revisiting previous transformations taking its place.

For Ian, who brings more than 40 years of construction experience to the programme, the prospect of fewer families receiving that help is heartbreaking.

Ian said: “I’m devastated. People see an incredible transformation on television, but what we’re really building is a chance for a family to live differently.

“It might mean a child sleeping in their own bedroom, a parent no longer having to carry them upstairs, or somebody finally feeling safe in their own home.

“We’re changing lives, and the thought of families missing out on that opportunity is incredibly difficult.”

Among those families is nine-year-old Isla’s, from Aylestone, Leicestershire.

Isla has Mandibuloacral Dysplasia, a rare genetic condition affecting bone growth and causing premature ageing of major organs.

Ian project managed the transformation of her home, helping create an environment where she could enjoy greater freedom and independence.

Isla’s mum, Stacey, says the difference has been life changing.

She said: “Before the transformation, everything was a struggle. I was carrying Isla, holding her and providing hands-on care. There wasn’t space for her medical equipment. It never felt like a home, just a house.

“DIY SOS given us back our lives. It took a massive weight off my shoulders. Isla can live comfortably now. She has her own bedroom where she can dance and do her makeup. She can just be a nine-year-old.”

Stacey said the programme offered something families facing daily challenges desperately need, hope.

She said: “It breaks my heart that other families could miss out. When you’re struggling, knowing something like DIY SOS exists gives you hope.

“I felt so sad that I couldn’t provide what my child needed. Then these people came in and did something magical. It wasn’t just our house they changed. It was our lives.”

She said that the relationships continued long after filming finished, with offers of support still arriving.

“Ian became part of our family,” she added. “He genuinely cares. He wants to make life easier for people, and that care doesn’t stop when the cameras leave.”

Ian says that lasting connection reflects the generosity of the volunteers, tradespeople and suppliers who make each build possible.

He said: “These are people giving up their working days, their income and time with their own families to help somebody they’ve never met. DIY SOS shows what our industry can achieve when everyone pulls together. It celebrates skill, graft and kindness, and gives people a reason to believe in their communities.

“I’m proud of every build, but it’s the families who stay with you. You remember what life was like when you arrived and what becomes possible when you leave. I hope there is a future for those transformations. There are still families who need us.”