DIY SOS has been struck by tragedy a number of times over its 26-year history, with some of those the show has been brought into help sadly passing away – both before and after filming.
Here are all the stars the hit BBC show has sadly mourned over the years…
Death of DIY SOS star Jason Liversidge
Back in 2023, it was sadly announced that Jason Liversidge, who had appeared on the show in 2015, had died.
Jason had been battling motor neurone disease for 10 years before his passing in August 2023. He was just 47 years old.
Jason had appeared on the show 10 years ago to make his home more accessible following his diagnosis in 2013.
His wife, Liz, paid tribute at the time. “Jason Liversidge died peacefully at home surrounded by his girls at 22.59 on the 5th August 2023. Thank you for being the best husband and father that we could ask for,” she said.
“You will be forever young and remain alive always in our hearts and minds. We love you! Fly free my love.”
It is with a heavy heart that Cambridge United can confirm we have received the devastating news that Simon Dobbin sadly passed away at home this morning.
Sweet dreams Simon. Forever a U pic.twitter.com/mNB5wlaBJP
— Cambridge United FC (@CambridgeUtdFC) October 21, 2020
Simon Dobbin’s tragic death
In 2020, Simon Dobbin, a man who had appeared on the show in 2017, sadly passed away aged 48.
Simon had been left with brain damage after being attacked by a group of 13 men while on his way home from a Cambridge United football match in 2015.
As a result of the attack, he suffered a stroke and heart failure. He spent a year in hospital before returning home.
He was left unable to walk or talk after the attack. In 2017, Nick and the team helped make Simon’s home more accessible for him and his needs.
Sadly, in 2020, he died. Cambridge United shared the sad news on Twitter.
“It is with a heavy heart that Cambridge United can confirm we have received the devastating news that Simon Dobbin sadly passed away at home this morning,” they wrote.
“Sweet dreams Simon. Forever a U.”
DIY SOS star Margaret Chapman passed two weeks before filming commenced
In 2022, Nick was left fighting back tears after tragedy struck a family who were appearing on the show.
Margaret Chapman, the younger daughter of the Chapman family, tragically died just two weeks before filming commenced on their DIY SOS episode.
Her death cast a profound shadow over what was already a deeply challenging story. Her parents and older sister all live with the same genetic condition, myotonic dystrophy, and the show sought to adapt their home to cope with their increasingly urgent needs.
Ben Wernham died in his sleep
Ben Wernham, a devoted father and stepfather from Avening, Gloucestershire, died peacefully in his sleep on October 29, aged 41.
He became paralysed after a freak accident in 2016, when he slipped in the shallow end of a pool while on holiday in Cyprus.
His story touched the local community, leading to a fundraising campaign called Best 4 Ben, and later national support from the BBC’s DIY SOS, which helped complete vital renovations to his family home.
His death came eight years after the accident that changed his life.
In a tribute, his daughters shared: “It’s incredibly sad news about Ben. We’d love to take the opportunity to thank all members of the community that helped to raise funds and assisted with the DIY SOS big build which enabled Ben to stay in his home until the end.
“Everyone’s support meant the world to us. We knew his life would be harder than most but we didn’t think he’d go this soon. Ben was incredibly brave throughout but he’s finally at peace now.”
Oliver Hudson died before his episode aired
Oliver Hudson, a teenager with severe learning disabilities, appeared on DIY SOS in 2017 alongside his adopted father, Darren Hudson, who had been diagnosed with a degenerative spinal condition.
The show transformed their home to accommodate Darren’s new needs, allowing him to care for Oliver and his brothers more comfortably.
Sadly, Oliver passed away after the episode was filmed but before it aired. Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team paid tribute to Oliver, expressing their condolences to Darren and his family.
Following his death, the episode re-aired in 2020. It highlighted the family’s resilience and the profound impact of the home’s transformation on their lives.
