For over two decades, BBC viewers have seen hundreds of houses renovated as a team of people come together to help transform family homes. Originally broadcast back in 1999, the initial aim of the programme was to give householders the opportunity to get their bodged DIY jobs finished professionally.
The popular show, which has grown over the years in length and scope, was first presented by Lowri Turner and . It wasn’t long before the duo were joined by other other hosts such as Billy Byrne, Julian Perryman, Chris Frediani before Mark Miller joined.
At first, viewers would vote each week to choose one of three families that they believed was the most deserving case. In 2010, the show had a format shake-up and added Big Build to its name as viewers saw the team complete much bigger projects on the show.
Along with the team of professionals, local tradespeople also got involved who volunteered their time and materials to contribute to the community projects.
Although the show has been off-screen for the last two years, it was announced that DIY SOS: The Big Build is returning to the under the guidance of a new production company – South Shore.
As the renovation show celebrates turning 25, here’s a look at where the presenters are now.
DIY SOS first aired in 1999 (Image: BBC)
Lowri Turner
Lowri left DIY SOS after eight series (Image: YOUTUBE/THEWRIGHTSTUFF)
After eight series, Lowri Turner decided to step down from DIY SOS.
However, since stepping away from the spotlight, Lowri is now a nutritionist and hypnotherapist who specialises in weight loss.
The former presenter also writes about health for many newspapers and magazines.
She’s written two health books and is a regular panellist on the Channel Five series The Wright Stuff
Nick Knowles
Nick Knowles has remained a TV staple since 1999 (Image: GETTY)
Nick has remained part of DIY SOS since it first began and has been seen on various different TV shows.
The 62-year-old has appeared in the likes of 5-Star Family Reunion, …Get Me Out of Here!, in South America and even had a cameo in Hollyoaks.
Currently, he’s taking part in ‘s alongside professional dancer Luba Mushtuk.
Outside of his TV life, Nick has four children and has been married twice.
Last year, he got engaged to Katie Dadzie after meeting at their son’s play centre.
Billy Byrne
Billy Byrne has been a fan-favourite on DIY SOS (Image: BBC)
Billy has also been part of DIY SOS from the start and has been a firm fan-favourite over the years.
Learning his trade in the 60s, Billy is an electrician from Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire.
Known on the show as the “Prince of Darkness”, Billy is the clown on the team and is often the butt of the jokes.
Sadly, his daughter Emma died at 20 years old from cancer, although he rarely speaks about the tragedy in an episode of DIY SOS in 2020.
At the time, he said: “You’ve got to accept that she was part of our lives for 20 years. Let’s talk about the 20 years that she was great and happy. We can stop shedding tears – but it’s hard.”
Julian Perryman on DIY SOS (Image: BBC)
Julian Perryman and Chris Frediani
Known for being a skilled and versatile builder, viewers often see Julian help with the less structural jobs such as plastering.
He’s known fellow DIY SOS star Chris Frediani since they were at junior school together.
Despite running their own businesses, they’d often work together before joining the renovation show.
Chris began plastering at the age of 17 and has worked his way up to being an extremely versatile plasterer.
Mark Millar
Mark joined the BBC show in 1999 (Image: BBC)
In the late 1970s, Mark did his apprenticeship as a carpenter in Ireland, although now he’s based in Bristol.
Working all over the UK, Europe and US, viewers will recognise Mark as being the build manager on the show.
He’s in charge of figuring out how their projects can squeeze into a tight timeframe.
Aside from being on DIY SOS, he’s also the presenter on Dream Kitchens And Bathrooms for Channel 5, along with ‘s How Safe Is Your House.