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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Entertainment
Rebecca Cook & Abbie Meehan

DIY SOS host Nick Knowles 'breaks down and flees' on show amid 'miracle' scenes

DIY SOS got more emotional than usual on Tuesday night as the strong team got to work transforming an adventure playground that had quite the upsetting background.

Popular television presenter Nick Knowles was the leader of the project in Southmead, Bristol, which was left in disrepair and unfit for use, the Mirror reports.

Named 'The Ranch' to locals, the playground was built by residents of Bristol and had become a much-loved part of the community over the years.

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However, it was needlessly burnt down by vandals on two separate occasions, leaving the locals to front repairs in order to give kids of the community a safe space to roam.

But the playground was left in distress as the community couldn't keep up with repairs - that was until Nick and the DIY SOS team came for a visit.

The Ranch was originally a back-up choice for the show, but as a planned repair fell through, they got a stroke of unbelievable luck.

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One of the playworkers, Lil, described it as a "miracle" and the team quickly sought donations of labour and materials, while the Trust was able to pledge funds to pay for the rest.

DIY SOS saw Nick and the team descend on the spot, working around the clock to restore the communal space to its former glory.

One of the playworkers, Lil, described it as a "miracle". (BBC)

It was a massive project which required the whole team and volunteers to work for nine gruelling days and nights in October 2021.

They cleared the undergrowth, restored the swampy pond and re-landscaped the area, adding an outdoor classroom complete with a fire pit for their Forest School.

Massive structures were also added to provide thrills - from huge swings to an exhilarating new slide.

The once broken sports pitch was levelled and resurfaced and an all-weather multi-games pitch and outdoor chill-out zones were added.

As the 59-year-old host unveiled one special part of the revamp, he was overcome with emotion and was forced to tearfully walk away from the happy scene.

As well as the playground, he showed them a special recording studio for the older children.

Fighting tears, he said: “This is above and beyond anything we could have possibly dreamed of.”

Lil added: “I'm in shock, this is... The teenagers are going to be elated, this is phenomenal.”

Another guest appeared shocked as she asked Nick: “Are we getting the guitars and all the equipment?”

Unable to respond, the presenter simply nodded, only for her to repeat the question in emotional disbelief.

She added: “Oh my God, this is what youth means…” as Nick turned his face away before walking out of the room.

Nick, he's crying,” pointed out one of the locals. She continued: “We can't thank you enough.”

“I can't even get through this,” he replied, wiping his eyes and turning away from the camera.

Another remarked: “Oh Nick, you know what music is to kids.” as a sobbing Lil added gratefully: “This is amazing.”

DIY SOS returns on Tuesday, June 7 on BBC One at 8pm.

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