Presenter biographies: J to L

From hod-carrying to lifting floorboards, Nick Knowles's presence in DIY SOS is very much hands-on.

His experience working for builders after he left school and in between jobs has been put to good use in the series. As a rugby player and motorcyclist who's done his own stunts in the past, Nick also has the physique to be a useful member of the team.

At home, Nick isn't mad keen on DIY but is prepared to get stuck in and have a go. He does admit, though, that when he builds a cupboard it will usually end up twice as large as he intended - probably because he's used great chunks of wood rather than more suitable pieces of timber. "The series is great because it puts people back in charge of their own homes," he says.

Laurence Llewelyn Bowen established himself as one of the most well-known designers on the BBC.

After graduating with a Fine Art degree from the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts in 1986, Laurence joined a company specialising in industrial rubber flooring. Soon, he was commissioned to undertake work at Buckingham Palace.

His design skills were honed further when in 1989 he worked on the prestigious Paris Virgin Megastore project.

Not content with this rapid rise to prominence, Laurence set up his own design consultancy in 1989, the year he married Jackie. Commissions have included The Opera Terrace, Covent Garden, and the Sous Sol at the Oriel, Sloane Square.

Laurence's BBC debut was on the first episode of Changing Rooms in 1996 on BBC Two. His vibrant personality struck a chord with viewers, which contributed to the series attracting a loyal audience.