HEARTBROKEN: DIY SOS viewers left sobbing within minutes over heartbreaking d@ath
DIY SOS viewers were left in tears just minutes into the programme’s new series as Nick Knowles and his team took on an emotional transformation for a grieving family.
The BBC favourite returned for its 35th series on Tuesday, September 22, with the opening episode focusing on single dad Raymond and his children, Kai and Nell.
Raymond had been left raising the pair following the death of his wife Gill, while also trying to make their home more suitable for Nell, who uses a wheelchair.
The teenager was diagnosed with arthrogryposis at birth and doctors told the family she would not be able to walk.
Raymond explained that he had given up his job as a plumber to become Nell’s full-time carer, while Gill had previously taken on much of that responsibility.
But seven months before filming began, Gill became seriously ill and died just days after undergoing an emergency liver transplant.
Raymond Breaks Down Over Wife Gill
Speaking to Nick at the start of the episode, Raymond struggled to hold back tears as he described how much he still missed his wife.
“I’m still grieving, I miss Gill terribly, but my main focus is Kai and Nell,” he said.
His emotion quickly affected those watching at home.
One viewer wrote on X: “Great. New series of #DIYSOS. New box of man sized tissues being opened.”
Another admitted: “Ok #DIYSOS has finished me off.”
A third said: “Well we’re only 15 minutes in & I’ve already gone!”
Others praised the programme for repeatedly managing to deliver deeply emotional stories alongside dramatic home transformations.
One viewer wrote: “DIY SOS gets me every single time. One minute I’m judging the decorating choices, the next I’m sat there emotional watching an entire community come together to change someone’s life. Such a brilliant programme.”
Family Struggled Before DIY SOS Arrived
The team’s goal was to make the house significantly more accessible for Nell and give her greater independence.
Before the renovation, the family had been dealing with extremely difficult living conditions.
Nick later explained that Nell had been forced to have her hair washed in a downstairs toilet sink because the house lacked suitable facilities.
“They were really, really struggling,” he said during an appearance on BBC Breakfast.
“Nell bless her, was having to have her hair washed in a downstairs toilet sink. There were no washing facilities. There was no kitchen to speak of.”
Nick added: “And of course, they’re trying to come to terms with bereavement.”
Viewers Reach for the Tissues
As the episode continued, fans admitted they were finding it increasingly difficult to hold back their emotions.
One wrote: “@DIYSOS pass me the tissues! #DIYSOS how amazing what an incredible family.”
Another said: “Oh goodness, I’m crying already!”
A further viewer simply admitted: “I’m gone already.”
One fan reflected on the programme’s ability to outdo itself with each project.
“I always think Nick Knowles and the team will never be able to top the last build and every time they prove me wrong. Amazing,” they wrote.
Another said: “This is why I can’t watch #diysos. 2 minutes in and I’m blubbering. What a stunning house. RIP mum.”
The flood of emotional reactions showed just how quickly Raymond, Kai and Nell’s story had connected with viewers.
Nick Knowles Says New Series ‘Broke’ Him
Nick had already warned fans that the latest run of DIY SOS had affected him more deeply than usual.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast before the episode aired, he admitted the series had finally broken through the emotional wall he normally tries to maintain while filming.
“I’m buzzing about this, not least, because after years and years of people saying ‘how come you don’t get emotional’ because you’re trying to hold it together, this series absolutely broke me,” he said.
Nick then struggled to continue.
“I was absolutely… yeah, even now thinking about it.”
The emotional premiere once again showed why DIY SOS continues to resonate with audiences after so many years.
For Raymond and his children, the transformation was about much more than decorating.
It was about creating a home that could make everyday life easier for Nell while also helping the family move forward after an unimaginable loss.
And for viewers, it took only a few minutes before the tissues were already out.
