BBC BOSSES were last night urged not to sack Nick Knowles – by one of his best mates.
The presenter of DIY SOS is facing the axe due to his involvement in a Shreddies cereal advert.
Now the 58-year-old star, who is a proud supporter of armed forces veterans, has been defended by the chairman of Hull 4 Heroes Paul Matson.
Paul said: “Nick is an amazing friend to us, he has donated thousands of his own money and always asks us not to publicise, backs us in everything we do, as well as popping hundreds of miles at the drop of a hat to support us at events.
“Although Nick asks for no publicity, it’s his time and people should know the kind man Nick is. He is one nice man and a great friend to me personally.”
Posting on Twitter on Thursday, Hull 4 Heroes reminded the BBC of the exceptional work Nick does to support the community in Hull and elsewhere.
People have no idea how much @MrNickKnowles does behind the scenes, in his own time and at his own expense for @DIYSOS ,@hull4heroes & @Veteransvillag1
— Hull 4 Heroes (@hull4heroes) May 20, 2021
We’ve seen it first hand
And now all this over a comedy cereal ad?
We urge the BBC to think again pic.twitter.com/orwgSKDSGR
“People have no idea how much Nick Knowles does behind the scenes, in his own time and at his own expense for DIY SOS, Hull 4 Heroes and The Veterans Village,” the post said.
“We’ve seen it first hand And now all this over a comedy cereal ad? We urge the BBC to think again.”
The charity also shared touching photos of Nick’s previous involvement with the charity on social media.
Nick’s role on DIY SOS has been left hanging by a thread due to the Shreddies tie-in, with the 30-second ad, where he calls himself “Nick ‘get it done’ Knowles”, first aired in February.
It is regularly shown on telly, and has been viewed online more than two million times.
The TV star is reportedly in “absolute torment” at the possibility of losing his job for taking part, which could be a breach of BBC rules.
Insiders have said that the ad breaches regulations because it appears to use Nick’s DIY SOS reputation to flog the cereal.
Nick has hosted the show since its very first episode in 1999; the show has helped raise millions for charity, including a Grenfell Tower project with Princes William and Harry in 2018.
A bidding war from other channels has already begun as broadcasters fight to secure Nick for their own shows if he does get axed by the Beeb.
