BBC Studios’ DIY SOS Lands Irish Adaptation

BBC Studios has inked its first format deal on DIY SOS: Big Build, with RTÉ One on board for a local version to be hosted by Baz Ashmawy.

DIY SOS: Big Build Ireland will be produced by Motive Television, which recently made the Irish version of BBC Studios’ Ultimate Hell Week. In each of the four episodes, a deserving family facing personal challenges gets a significant home makeover. The show is marking its 20th anniversary on BBC One. The British version has sold to 150-plus markets.

André Renaud, BBC Studios’ senior VP of global format sales, noted, “DIY SOS: Big Build is a wonderful show that is perfect for adaptation internationally and we are thrilled to be working with Motive Television and RTÉ to create a local version in Ireland. It’s a heart-warming and inspiring format and, with a terrific host at its helm, we’re certain that Irish audiences will love it.”

Ashmawy added, “DIY SOS is one of the most feel-good and inspiring formats I’ve ever been lucky enough to work on. It’s so uplifting, bringing out the best in people and showing a side of community that rarely gets seen on television. It’s a true reflection of the power of people. It makes the impossible possible. Fantastic.”

Grainne McAleer, RTÉ’s head of documentaries and series, noted, “DIY SOS is a series with a really big heart. It’s the kind of show that our audience appreciates so we have high hopes for its future on RTÉ One.”

Anne McLoughlin, executive producer for Motive Television, commented, “DIY SOS has been a hugely rewarding format to produce for RTÉ One. We have been bowled over by the tsunamis of goodwill towards the format from families, tradespeople, suppliers, volunteers and communities across the country. We are also hugely appreciative of the guidance, support and expertise offered by the DIY SOS production team at BBC Studios.”