DIY SOS: a soothing reminder for good hopes in darkest time

DIY SOS: a soothing reminder for good hopes in darkest time. Nick Knowles and the construction crew assisted Lindsey, whose husband died before the improvements could be completed.

Since transforming from a weeknight filler to a prime-time property as DIY SOS: The Big Build, the home improvement show has provided improvements with a heavy dosage of emotion. Along with more ambitious projects, each family chosen usually has an emotional tale to tell about why they deserve to have their home changed.

This was evident in the opening episode of the show’s 32nd season. Following a brief pause last year due to a breach of the BBC’s commercial restrictions (he was advertising Shreddies), veteran presenter Nick Knowles returned, this time accompanied by designer Gabrielle Blackman and a crew of builders, decorators, and countless volunteers from the local community. They’d all gathered to assist Lindsey McAuley, a Kettering midwife.

The story of Lindsey was heartbreaking. Shaun, her ex-military husband, died just months after being diagnosed with a rare disease in 2021.

Shaun and she had two children together, plus two from her previous marriage, and their small family house needed to be expanded. Shaun had intended to do the interior work himself, but he died before completing it. “Sorry I’m leaving you with such a mess,” he stated to Lindsey as one of the final things he said to her.

The rest of the episode was regular DIY SOS fare, with views of plastering, an unexpected delay owing to missing materials, and Knowles’ dad-like commentary.

The final makeover reveal wasn’t quite Grand Designs-worthy, but who cares at this point? After hearing how Lindsey’s life had been stuck in limbo for months, watching her and her family receive a home that would make their lives simpler was enough to break even the most steadfast viewer’s resolve.