Comic will host a Children in Need special

Rhod Gilbert is to take over from Nick Knowles as host of BBC One’s property renovation show, DIY SOS.

The comic will front a Big Build special in Hull for Children in Need, taking place next month.

The team’s task will be to transform an empty two-and-a-half-acre field into a purpose-built adventure camping site for local youngsters.

Gilbert said: ‘It’s a great honour to step in to Nick’s enormous steel toe-capped boots and be involved in Children in Need. I’m looking forward to joining the infamous DIY SOS team, and rallying an enormous group of local volunteers on a wonderfully ambitious and important project. 

‘After having tried my hand at over 30 jobs on my Work Experience TV programme, I’m hoping I may even be of some use around the site. My vis is high and my hat is hard, so bring it on.’

The show’s task will be to build an adventure playground, outdoor covered classroom, mountain bike course, bird watching tower, ropewalk,  field kitchen, toilet and shower block and more for the local charity St Michael’s Youth Project.

Executive producer Paolo Proto said: 'We are delighted to have Rhod join the team  for this incredibly special build. We can’t wait to see him get his hands dirty, and we’ll need his humour and empathy.’

He has put a call-out for donations of Timber, aggregates, steel containers, septic tank or treatment plant, solar panels, wind turbines, mountain bikes, tents, rope, outdoor furniture, play equipment and the equipment needed for the shower block and field kitchen. Email diysoshull@bbc.co.uk

The two-week build will take place from Wednesday September 8, with the programme charting its progress airing  in November.

Published: 11 Aug 2021