Strictly bosses fear Nick Knowles will quit for GOOD after second nightmare injury

Nick Knowles vowed to dance on next week, but an insider admitted the show losing one of its most popular ­celebrities was a 'real possibility'

BBC bosses fear Nick Knowles ’ time on Strictly could be over after the DIY SOS star was forced out of tonight’s show with a knee injury.

The 61-year-old vowed to dance on next week, but an insider admitted the show losing one of its most popular ­celebrities was a “real possibility”.

Nick had only just recovered from a shoulder injury in time to dance last week, and will now have an MRI scan after hurting his knee in rehearsals. He and pro partner Luba Mushtuk have been given a bye this week.

A source said: “The fact he is getting scans shows just how serious this is. There is only so much time they can give him to recover. Nick is a popular guy and losing him so early in the competition would be a blow to the show’s ratings too. It doesn’t look great at the moment so everyone is just hoping the outlook is better after the weekend.”

The setback comes as a blow to BBC bosses, who were hoping to move on with this year’s show after the release of a report into allegations of bullying during last year’s series.

Actress Amanda Abbington’s complaints of verbal harassment against Giovanni Pernice were upheld, while the professional dancer was cleared of using any physical aggression. The insider added: “They can’t afford to lose anyone else when they’re trying to kickstart the series after the report was published this week. They need to move on with some more positive news.”

TV presenter Nick, from Southall, West London, remained positive, saying: “Even if we have to glitter up the crutches, I am determined to get back and dance for you next week.” Luba added: “We really, really hope that the knee will be better for next week and we’ll be back on the dancefloor.”

Earlier, he took to X and Instagram, to share a post by Strictly which confirmed he would be missing out this weekend. The post stated: “Unfortunately, Nick Knowles sustained an injury during rehearsals and as a result, will not dance this weekend. As per the rules of the competition, Nick and Luba will receive a bye through to next week when he is hopefully able to dance again. Everyone at Strictly Come Dancing wishes Nick a speedy recovery."

Breaking his silence after his absence was announced Nick wrote on X: "I’m absolutely gutted and feeling very very sad," alongside a sad face emoji.

Fans were quick to wish Nick a speedy recovery, with one on X writing: "Hope you’re on the mend soon. What a shame you’re missing out on movie week." Another typed: "So sorry to hear that! I hope you are ok! #Strictly." And a further fan commented: "Take Care Lovely, See you back next week."

Just hours before news broke that he wouldn't be competing this weekend, Nick had shared his hope that he would be able to win enough points from the judges to carry him through to the next week. Interacting with fans on X, one follower messaged the star to write: "Let's hope you get through over the weekend fingers crossed." And Nick himself replied with a string of fingers crossed emojis.

For tonight’s movie theme, the pair had been due to dance the Charleston to Rain on the Roof from Paddington 2.

*Strictly airs tonight on BBC One

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