Nick Knowles endorses 'DIY SOS' replacement Rhod Gilbert for Children In Need special

Nick Knowles has endorsed Rhod Gilbert as his replacement on DIY SOS for a Children In Need special after the presenter was forced to step down from his role earlier this year.

Posting on Twitter, Knowles encouraged his fans to "Please tune in and support Rhod Gilbert and @DIYSOS for Children in Need and donate if you can."

"Over the years we’ve built many places where @BBCCiN support children all around the country," he continued.

"Your donations will make such a difference to kid’s lives."

In a previous tweet, replying to a fan wondering why he won't be appearing in this year's programme, Knowles addressed that "The very lovely Rhod Gilbert steps in for this one and I’m sure will do a Sterling job."

Read more: Rhod Gilbert didn't call Nick Knowles before replacing him on 'DIY SOS: The Big Build'

In a further reply, the presenter confirmed that Gilbert's stint will only be temporary as he said: "No it’s not me this time - Rhod Gilbert is standing in for me."

Knowles's temporary departure from DIY SOS, which he has fronted for 20 years, was announced earlier this year by the BBC.

The broadcaster’s decision was due to Knowles’s appearance in a Shreddies advertisement campaign.

The BBC imposes strict guidelines on its talent which prevent them from taking part in promotional work for commercial brands that “in a way which mimics or replicates their on-air roles for the BBC".

Read more: Nick Knowles says he's 'massive' after gaining four stone in lockdown

In the commercial Knowles appeared as a superpowered builder with a hardhat and vest branded with the cereal’s logo, helping a family get ready in the morning with his construction skills.

In a statement back in May, the BBC confirmed that “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.”

Meanwhile, Gilbert recently opened up about his worries taking over DIY SOS telling The Sun: “I thought, ‘Oh, God, can I do this? [Knowles] is synonymous with the show and definitely has big shoes to fill. Will I be accepted?

“All you can do is try,” he added. “I’ve always said there’s no getting around whether I could do it. It was whether I’d be accepted.”

Watch: Nick Knowles Shreddies advert which cost him his DIY SOS role