Nick Knowles: Biography, DIY SOS, Career, Net Worth & Latest News (2026)

If you’ve ever watched DIY SOS on BBC One, you already know Nick Knowles – the warm, approachable presenter who’s been transforming homes and lives since 1999. But there’s much more to this British television icon than meets the eye.wikipedia+2

From his early days as a production runner to becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable faces, Nick’s journey spans over three decades of television, music, charity work, and even a stint on Strictly Come Dancing. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering him, this guide covers everything you need to know about Nick Knowles in 2026 – his career, personal life, recent news, and what makes him such an enduring favourite with British audiences.wikipedia+1

Who Is Nick Knowles?

Nick Knowles is an English television presenter, writer, and musician best known for hosting the BBC’s long-running home renovation show DIY SOS. Born on 21 September 1962 in Southall, Middlesex, he’s become a household name through his empathetic approach to helping families in need and his down-to-earth personality.wikipedia+2

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 metres), Nick is one of the tallest presenters on British television – a physical presence that matches his larger-than-life career. Beyond DIY SOS, he’s hosted numerous game shows, travel documentaries, and even released a music album that charted in the UK.wikipedia+2

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Nick’s path to television stardom wasn’t straightforward. After leaving school at 16 with eight O-levels, he worked a series of entry-level jobs including labourer, petrol station assistant, and salesman. His passion for music and writing eventually led him to submit a script to a BBC2 programme, which opened the door to his television career.wikipedia+2

He started as a production runner before moving into reporting for TVS on the South East news programme Coast to Coast. This experience laid the foundation for his transition into presenting, and by the early 1990s, Nick was hosting his own shows.wikipedia+2

The DIY SOS Era: Nick’s Defining Role

In 1999, Nick became the face of DIY SOS on BBC One – a role that would define his career for over 25 years. The show follows Nick and a team of builders, designers, and volunteers as they transform homes for families facing difficult circumstances.wikipedia+3

DIY SOS: The Big Build

In 2010, the format evolved into DIY SOS: The Big Build, where the team takes on even more ambitious projects, often recruiting local tradespeople and volunteers to complete dramatic home transformations in just nine days. The show has aired more than 240 episodes across 35 seasons, attracting audiences of up to 9 million viewers.wikipedia+2

The programme’s impact extends beyond entertainment. According to Nick, DIY SOS has created an estimated £20 million worth of homes, respite centres, and community spaces across the UK. The show received a special BAFTA award in recognition of its contributions to television and society.bigissue+1

Recent Developments: 2026 Series

As of September 2026, Nick is back on screens with a new series of DIY SOS, which premiered on Tuesday 22 September on BBC One at 8pm. The latest series features designer Gabrielle Blackman and builder Billy Byrne alongside Nick, tackling some of their most challenging projects yet.tvguide.co+2

Nick has hinted that this series is particularly emotional, admitting in recent interviews that “this series broke me” and “absolutely wore me down” due to the heartbreaking stories of families they’ve helped.mirror.co+1

Beyond DIY SOS: Nick’s Diverse Television Career

While DIY SOS remains his flagship show, Nick has hosted an impressive variety of programmes across multiple genres:

Game Shows and Entertainment

• Who Dares Wins (2007–2019) – A BBC game show testing contestants’ courage and nervewikipedia+1

• Break the Safe (2013–2014) – A National Lottery game showwikipedia

• Perfection (2011–2015) – A daytime game show where contestants aimed for perfection to win the jackpotwikipedia

• 5-Star Family Reunion (2015–2016) – A National Lottery show reuniting familieswikipedia

• Secret Fortune (2011–2012) – Another National Lottery game showwikipedia

Factual and Wildlife Programming

Nick has also presented numerous factual and wildlife-themed programmes:

• Real Rescues (2007–2013) – Following emergency services in life-threatening situationswikipedia+1

• Mission Africa (2007) – Building a game reserve in Kenya (during which he dislocated his shoulder falling from a Land Rover)wikipedia+1

• Saving Planet Earth (2007) – Reporting on orphaned orangutanswikipedia

• Wildest Dreams (2009) – A reality series filming wild animals in Africawikipedia

Travel Documentaries (2021–2025)

In recent years, Nick has fronted a series of travel documentaries exploring iconic locations:

• Nick Knowles’ Railway Journeys (2022)wikipedia

• Into the Grand Canyon with Nick Knowles (2023)wikipedia

• Into Death Valley with Nick Knowles (2023)wikipedia

• The Mighty Mississippi with Nick Knowles (2024)wikipedia

• Nick Knowles in South America (2024)wikipedia

• Lost in the Desert with Nick Knowles (2025)wikipedia

Strictly Come Dancing (2024)

In September 2024, Nick joined the twenty-second series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer Luba Mushtuk. His journey was plagued by injuries – first damaging his shoulder while changing a car tyre, then sustaining a serious knee injury during rehearsals.wikipedia+4

Despite the setbacks, Nick performed an American Smooth to Blur’s “Parklife” after only 16 hours of training. He was eliminated in week four after a dance-off, finishing in sixth place. The injuries required significant surgery, including a full ACL reconstruction and two meniscus repairs on his knee, plus an operation to reattach his distal bicep.wikipedia+4

Other Creative Ventures

Music Career

Nick has been playing in bands since age 14 and released his debut album, Every Kind of People, on 3 November 2017. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 92 and features covers of songs by artists including Robert Palmer, John Mayer, Joni Mitchell, and The Beatles.wikipedia+2

Film Work

In 2016, Nick co-wrote and executive produced the comedy film Golden Years, starring Simon Callow, Virginia McKenna, and Una Stubbs.wikipedia+1

Cookbook

Nick published Proper Healthy Food: Hearty Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes for Meat Lovers in 2017, reflecting his commitment to a mostly plant-based diet. He follows a vegan diet “80 per cent of the time” and has supported vegan restaurants.wikipedia+2

Antiques Business

In 2013, Nick and his then-wife Jessica opened an antiques shop and home design consultancy in Eton, Berkshire.wikipedia+2

Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Interests

Marriages and Children

Nick has been married three times and is a father of four:

• Gillian Knowles (married 1996, divorced 2000) – They share a son and daughterwikipedia+1

• Jessica Moor (married 2012, divorced 2017) – They had two children togetherwikipedia+1

• Katie Dadzie (married 7 June 2025) – Nick’s current wife, a lingerie entrepreneurwikipedia+2

Katie Dadzie: Nick’s Current Wife

Nick married Katie Dadzie on 7 June 2025 at Braxted Park in Essex. The couple had been dating since 2021 and became engaged in 2023. Katie runs a lingerie brand called Boa Boa alongside Nick.wikipedia+2

However, their marriage has faced significant challenges. Katie has suffered from serious health issues since their wedding, including complications following a hysterectomy. In mid-2026, her cervix ruptured, requiring emergency surgery. More recently, in September 2026, Nick announced he was taking a break from television work to care for Katie as she recovers from further complications and another major operation.manchestereveningnews.co+7

Charity Work and Advocacy

Nick is deeply committed to charitable causes and serves as a patron for multiple organisations. He has worked alongside members of the Royal Family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke of Sussex, on projects supporting veterans, mental health, and local communities.nickknowles

His charitable involvement includes:

• Act Against Bullying – A children’s anti-bullying charity he has regularly supportedwikipedia

• Children in Need – He sang “Addicted to Love” for the 2008 appealwikipedia+1

• Environmental advocacy – Promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable livingfacts

Rugby and Sports

Nick is a passionate rugby player and has played throughout his life, reflecting his competitive spirit. He still plays rugby and maintains an active lifestyle. In 2026, he expressed support for the Cornish Pirates rugby club and Cornish nationhood, calling himself “Cornish by choice”.wikipedia+3

Interests and Lifestyle

Off-camera, Nick describes himself as happiest in his garden with a mug of Earl Grey tea and a Netflix documentary lined up. He’s a self-described flexitarian, eating mostly vegan food, and has invested in vegan restaurants.wikipedia+2

In 2019, Nick received a six-month driving ban and a £1,480 fine for speeding and using a mobile phone while driving – an incident he called a “wake-up call”.wikipedia+1

Nick Knowles Net Worth and BBC Earnings

While exact figures vary, Nick’s earnings as a BBC presenter were disclosed in official reports. For the financial year 2016–2017, he earned between £300,000 and £349,999 from the BBC. His diverse career spanning television, music, writing, and business ventures has contributed to his overall net worth, though specific current figures are not publicly confirmed.wikipedia

Recent News and 2026 Updates

Taking Time Off for Family

In September 2026, Nick announced he was stepping back from work commitments to support his wife Katie during her recovery from major surgery. This decision highlights his commitment to family and the personal challenges he’s navigated alongside his public career.aol+4

DIY SOS Returns

Despite personal challenges, Nick continues to front DIY SOS. The new series launched on 22 September 2026 on BBC One, with Nick confirming the start date and expressing enthusiasm for the transformative stories ahead.tvguide.co+2

Ongoing Projects

Nick remains involved with various ventures, including his role with the Cornish Pirates rugby club and continued travel documentary work.wikipedia+1

Why Nick Knowles Remains So Popular

Nick’s enduring appeal stems from several key qualities:

• Authenticity – His down-to-earth personality and genuine empathy resonate with viewersnickknowles+1

• Work ethic – From labourer to TV star, his journey reflects determination and humilitywikipedia+1

• Versatility – Successfully hosting game shows, factual programmes, and travel documentaries demonstrates his rangewikipedia

• Community focus – DIY SOS celebrates generosity and community spirit, values Nick embodiesbigissue+1

• Resilience – His recovery from Strictly injuries and support for his wife show strength and commitmentmanchestereveningnews+1

FAQ: Common Questions About Nick Knowles

How old is Nick Knowles?

Nick Knowles was born on 21 September 1962, making him 64 years old as of 2026.wikipedia+1

Is Nick Knowles still presenting DIY SOS?

Yes, Nick continues to present DIY SOS. The latest series premiered on 22 September 2026 on BBC One, though he has taken brief breaks to support his wife during health challenges.tvguide.co+2

What happened to Nick Knowles on Strictly Come Dancing?

Nick competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, partnered with Luba Mushtuk. He sustained multiple injuries – first to his shoulder, then a serious knee injury requiring ACL reconstruction surgery. He was eliminated in week four and missed the final due to recovery from surgery.wikipedia+3

Who is Nick Knowles married to?

Nick married Katie Dadzie on 7 June 2025 at Braxted Park in Essex. They had been dating since 2021. Katie is a lingerie entrepreneur who runs the brand Boa Boa with Nick.wikipedia+3

Does Nick Knowles have children?

Yes, Nick has four children from his previous marriages to Gillian Knowles and Jessica Moor.wikipedia+2

What other TV shows has Nick Knowles presented?

Beyond DIY SOS, Nick has hosted Who Dares Wins, Break the Safe, Perfection, Real Rescues, and numerous travel documentaries including Railway Journeys, Into the Grand Canyon, and The Mighty Mississippi.wikipedia+1

Did Nick Knowles release music?

Yes, Nick released his debut album Every Kind of People in November 2017, which entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 92.wikipedia+2

What is Nick Knowles’ net worth?

While exact figures aren’t publicly confirmed, Nick earned between £300,000 and £349,999 from the BBC in 2016–2017. His diverse career in television, music, writing, and business has contributed to his overall wealth.wikipedia

 

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