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Nick Knowles will return to 'DIY SOS' after resolving ad issue with BBC

Nick Knowles will return to his job on DIY SOS. (BBC)
Nick Knowles will return to his job on DIY SOS. (BBC)

Nick Knowles will return to present DIY SOS after reaching a resolution with the BBC over a potentially rule-breaking appearance in an ad campaign.

The 58-year-old was said to have breached the broadcaster's guidelines by starring in ads for breakfast cereal Shreddies, in which he appeared wearing a hard hat and tool belt, and offering out DIY advice.

While he will resume his role on the series in 2022, he won't be part of the Children in Need charity special as it takes place while the campaign is still ongoing.

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A joint statement from the BBC and Knowles said: “Both Nick and the BBC have resolved the issue recently reported relating to Nick’s commercial agreements and BBC guidelines.

“With the campaign still running, Nick will step back from the DIY SOS Children In Need special this year but will be back on our screens in 2022.”

In a separate statement, the BBC said: “Nick is an important member of the BBC family and we are pleased that this matter is resolved.

“We will resume filming DIY SOS as soon as it’s safe to do so and Nick will be back on our screens in 2022.”

BBC editorial guidelines state: "Actors and artists who perform in BBC output should not appear in promotional work, including advertisements, in a way which mimics or replicates their on-air roles for the BBC."

Nick Knowles won't be taking part in the DIY SOS Children in Need special. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Nick Knowles won't be taking part in the DIY SOS Children in Need special. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

Knowles emerges from a laundry basket in the ad, declaring: "Sounds like you need Nick 'Get it done' Knowles. I bought the hospital I was born in. I can put up a shelf just by looking at it."

He then pours cereal into a builder's helmet instead of a bowl and offers a father and son tips on getting their day started successfully.

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A spokesperson for the BBC and Knowles had told Yahoo UK in a joint statement last week: "Both the BBC and Nick are keen to resolve this matter and are working together to seek a solution."

With additional reporting by PA.

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