Nick Knowles was anticipated to return to Strictly Come Dancing for this year’s series grand finale. Nevertheless, the DIY SOS presenter has had to withdraw from the BBC programme entirely as he recovers from an operation.
The 62-year-old telly favourite was knocked out of the dance contest in the third week alongside his dance partner Luba Mushtuk after facing Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu in a dance-off. Before their elimination, the duo had to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing’s Movie Week due to Nick suffering shoulder and knee injuries during practice.
Subsequently, he has undergone surgery to “re-attach” his bicep after sustaining another injury while changing a car tyre.
Despite keeping his followers updated on his well-being via social media platforms, when a fan questioned: “Will you still be able to do the end of the series dance in the final? Wouldn’t seem right you not being there.”
Nick expressed doubt over his participation, citing, “I’m not sure my injuries will allow – I have to wait for the knee operation until the bicep operation has healed so I can use crutches afterwards. So I don’t think the recovery will be in time sadly,” reports the Express.
In a fresh health update, the home improvement expert disclosed that he was not done with surgeries yet. From his hospital bed, Nick said: “I just woken up from my op. All went well by all accounts, so I have a reattached bicep now.
“A bit of physio over the next two or three months and all should be right as rain, back to 100% I think. That’s one down and one to go on the knee.”
Following his early departure from the competition, Nick heaped praise on his professional dance partner, Luba, for her steadfast support during his arduous journey on Strictly.
Nick noted: “Your creativity and hard work is awesome and I couldn’t have gone on this adventure with a better partner. I’m sorry I couldn’t take you further into the competition because people should get to see the lovely dances you prepared in advance.”
Although his Strictly stint was unexpectedly shortened, Nick discovered an unexpected enthusiasm for the art of dance.
He confessed: “I really fell in love with dancing. Luba worked so hard on all the routines, and I felt like I let her down. I desperately wanted to do more.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday on BBC One.