Building boss handed key role for new DIY SOS series

The boss of Hodgkinson Builders is set to take on the role of project manager for the forthcoming new series of DIY SOS: The Big Build.

Ian Hodgkinson, founder and managing director of the Pride Park-based building firm, will work alongside presenter Nick Knowles and the rest of the Big Build team on the new series, filming for which begins this month.

BBC One’s flagship show has been running for more than 20 years.

Working alongside familiar faces – including Chris Frediani, Billy Byrne and designer Gabrielle Blackman – Ian will be responsible for managing onsite tradespeople and overseeing new projects.

The first episode will see the team transform a dilapidated building in Wallsend, North Tyneside, into a performing arts school for 500 children and young adults, many of whom have additional learning needs.

Ian is no stranger to the small screen, having recently starred alongside his construction team in Brickies, a BBC fly-on-the-wall documentary that was this year shortlisted for a Broadcast Award.

He has also previously contributed his building services on previous series of DIY SOS.

He said: “When I was approached to become the show’s new project manager, I could not believe it.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and it genuinely is a dream come true to help communities and deserving causes.

“Just like with the Brickies series, I am looking forward to highlighting the benefits of working in the building trade, in the hope that more young apprentices will want to make a career out of it.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Nick again. He’s a great guy to work with, a genuine bloke. What you see on TV is what you get in real life. I first met him two decades ago, and thankfully we’ve always stayed in touch.”

Nick said: “Ian has been a brilliant friend of DIY SOS for twenty years, bringing teams of volunteer bricklayers to help us out on many occasions.

“He’s a brilliant project manager and I’m looking forward to working closely with him on coming SOS builds.”

Audiences will be able to watch the new series of DIY SOS: The Big Build on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.