Nick Knowles is a renowned English television presenter, writer, and musician, widely recognized for his work on British television. He is best known for hosting the popular BBC series DIY SOS, where he leads teams in transforming homes for families in need. Over his extensive career, Knowles has presented a variety of programmes, including game shows, factual series, and lifestyle content such as Who Dares Wins, Break the Safe, and Real Rescues.
Early Life and Background
Nick Knowles was born Nicholas Simon Augustine Knowles on 21 September 1962 in Southall, Middlesex, England. During his childhood, his family moved several times, living in places such as Mildenhall in Suffolk, which exposed him to different communities and shaped his adaptable nature. From a young age, Knowles displayed an interest in creativity, exploring music, poetry, and comedy alongside his everyday life.
After leaving school at age 16, he worked in a variety of jobs, including construction, petrol stations, and sales, while continuing to nurture his artistic interests. This combination of practical experience and creative drive laid the foundation for his later career in television. His early experiences in ordinary, working-class settings contributed to his relatable on-screen persona, which would later become a hallmark of his presenting style.
Knowles’ entry into media began behind the scenes as a production runner for regional television. His enthusiasm, versatility, and talent soon led him to on-screen opportunities, paving the way for his long-standing career as a beloved television presenter in the UK, most notably as the host of DIY SOS.
Education
Nick Knowles attended several schools during his childhood due to his family relocating, including St Louis Middle School in Mildenhall, Suffolk, Gunnersbury Catholic School for Boys, and The Skinners’ School in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, where he passed eight O‑levels and was active in rugby. He left formal education at the age of 16 and did not pursue further academic qualifications. After leaving school, Knowles balanced a variety of early jobs with his creative interests in music, poetry, and comedy, which would later help him launch his career in television.
Career
Nick Knowles began his television career behind the scenes as a production runner for regional TV, gradually moving into on-screen roles as a reporter and presenter. He gained early experience hosting factual and daytime programmes, steadily building his presence in British broadcasting.
He is best known as the long-standing presenter of DIY SOS on BBC One, a home-renovation and community-support series that he has led since 1999. The show brings together volunteers, tradespeople, and communities to transform the homes of families in need, making it one of the UK’s most beloved and enduring programmes.
Beyond DIY SOS, Knowles has hosted a diverse range of shows spanning game, quiz, and factual genres. His credits include Who Dares Wins, Break the Safe, Real Rescues, Perfection, Secret Fortune, and 5‑Star Family Reunion. He has also participated in reality TV, including I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2018, further broadening his appeal.
In addition to presenting, Knowles has pursued other creative projects such as writing a screenplay for the film Golden Years and publishing a cookbook. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has established himself as a versatile, engaging, and trusted figure in British television.
Nick Knowles TV Shows
DIY and Home Renovation:
- DIY SOS (BBC One, 1999–present) – Long-running home renovation and community-support series.
- DIY SOS: The Big Build – Extended format focusing on larger, complex renovation projects.
- Nick Knowles’ Big House Clearout (Channel 5, 2021–present) – Home makeover and decluttering series.
- Nick Knowles: Original Home Restoration (2014) – Factual home restoration series.
- Nick Knowles’ Better Homes – Lifestyle and home improvement series.
Game Shows and Quizzes:
- Who Dares Wins (BBC One, 2007–2019) – National Lottery game show.
- Break the Safe (BBC One, 2013–2014) – High-stakes game show.
- Perfection (BBC One, 2011–2015) – Daytime quiz show.
- Secret Fortune (BBC One, 2011–2012) – Lottery-based quiz show.
- 5‑Star Family Reunion (BBC One, 2015–2016) – Family game and reunion series.
Factual and Documentary Series:
- Real Rescues (BBC One, 2007–2013) – Emergency services factual series.
- Home Is Where the Art Is (BBC One, 2019–2021) – Art and design show.
- Mission Africa – Volunteer and conservation-based factual series.
- That’s Britain! (BBC One, 2011) – Series about everyday life complaints.
- Into Death Valley with Nick Knowles – Adventure and travel documentary.
- Big Adventures: Into South America with Nick Knowles – Travel and exploration series.
- Invictus: The Road to the Games – BBC One sports documentary special.
Reality TV Appearances:
- I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (Series 18, 2018) – Contestant on the reality series.
- Strictly Come Dancing (Series 22, 2024) – Celebrity contestant on the dance competition.
Nick Knowles’ career spans over three decades, covering home renovation, factual entertainment, quiz shows, adventure documentaries, and reality TV, establishing him as a versatile and widely recognized figure on UK television.
Personal Life and Family
Nick Knowles has been married three times and has four children. His first marriage was to Gillian Knowles in 1996, with whom he has a son, Charlie, and a daughter, Tuesday. The couple divorced in 2000. Following this, he was in a relationship with television presenter Suzi Perry from 2000 to 2003.
In September 2012, Knowles married his second wife, Jessica Rose Moor, and they had a son, Edwin, in 2014. The marriage ended in 2016. In 2025, he married Katie Dadzie, who is his current wife.
Nick’s parents are Eddie and Pat Knowles, and he has several siblings: Karen, Sheila, Angela, and John. His family life, along with his experiences as a father, has often been referenced in interviews, reflecting his commitment to his children and his close ties to his extended family.
Nick Knowles net worth
Nick Knowles is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $10 million (£7.5 million). His wealth primarily comes from his long-standing career as a television presenter, particularly as the host of the BBC’s DIY SOS, which has been on air since 1999. In addition to presenting, Knowles has earned income from other TV shows, including game shows, documentaries, and reality series, as well as from writing projects, music, and occasional business ventures. His versatility across television genres and decades of consistent work have contributed to his status as one of the UK’s well-known and financially successful media personalities.
Achievements
- Long-Standing Television Career: Over three decades as a versatile UK television presenter across genres including home renovation, game shows, factual, and lifestyle programming.
- DIY SOS Impact: Lead presenter of DIY SOS and DIY SOS: The Big Build since 1999, helping transform the homes and lives of countless families.
- Award Recognition: Acknowledged as an engaging and high-rated television presenter, celebrated for his professionalism and on-screen presence.
- Charitable and Community Work: Supported numerous charitable initiatives and community projects through his television programmes.
- Creative Ventures Beyond TV: Authored a cookbook, wrote a screenplay for the film Golden Years, released music, and contributed to documentary narration.
- Cultural Influence: Became a familiar and trusted figure in British media, influencing home renovation programming and factual entertainment in the UK.
Nick Knowles Now
As of 2026, Nick Knowles remains an active and prominent figure in British television. He continues to host and appear in a variety of programmes, ranging from home renovation and lifestyle shows to documentary and factual series, demonstrating his versatility and enduring appeal.
Knowles is still closely associated with DIY SOS, the BBC series he has led since 1999, which continues to highlight community-focused renovations and support for families in need. Beyond this, he has expanded into documentary narration, taking on new projects that explore topics such as social issues and investigative stories, further broadening his career beyond traditional presenting roles.
Legacy and Impact
Nick Knowles has left a lasting mark on British television, most notably through his long-running role on DIY SOS, where he has helped transform homes and lives while highlighting community spirit. Beyond entertainment, his work has inspired audiences and volunteers to engage in charitable efforts, showcasing how television can create meaningful social impact. With a versatile career spanning game shows, factual series, and documentaries, Knowles has become a trusted and influential figure in UK broadcasting.
Conclusion
Nick Knowles has built a remarkable and enduring career in British television, earning recognition as a versatile and trusted presenter. Through his long-running work on DIY SOS, he has not only entertained audiences but also made a tangible social impact by helping transform homes and lives across the UK. Alongside this flagship series, his contributions to game shows, factual programming, and documentaries demonstrate his breadth and adaptability as a broadcaster. Beyond television, his creative ventures in writing, music, and narration further showcase his talents. Nick Knowles’ career reflects a lasting influence on UK media, combining professional excellence with a commitment to community and storytelling.