Nick Knowles WILL return to Strictly Come Dancing for tomorrow’s live show – but there’s a big shake-up
NICK Knowles WILL be performing on this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing following a bout of nasty injuries.
The DIY SOS star has been cleared to continue in the BBC competition with his professional dance partner Luba Mushtuk.
But due to lost rehearsal time this week, there is a shake-up with their routine.
Nick missed last Saturday’s Movie Week after an accident during the dress rehearsal left him on crutches. The 62-year-old fell out of a jump and sustained an injury to his knee.
Prior to this, Nick had also hurt his shoulder while changing a car tyre away from show rehearsals.
But Nick has tonight said: “I watched last week’s show feeling so sad that I wasn’t there. I of course loved cheering on everyone else, but I really missed it being part of it.
“When I signed up to Strictly I never thought for a moment that I’d love it like I did. I well and truly have the dancing bug!
“I am absolutely delighted to be back tomorrow, and I’m so grateful to the physios and medical teams at BBC for getting me back on my feet!”
Confirming his return, a BBC spokesperson has told The Sun that bosses have made an allowance for their routine.
The pair are being given the green light to perform their Movie Week dance from last Saturday’s skipped show, which is based on Paddington Bear.
“We are all delighted that Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk will be dancing in this Saturday’s show,” the BBC spokesperson said.
“Nick has been cleared to dance by the medical and physio teams following his injury last week.
“Due to time taken out of training this week, they will be performing their Movies Week Charleston to Rain On The Roof from Paddington 2.”
Fleur East, who presents spin-off show Strictly: It Takes Two, has also confirmed Nick and Luba’s comeback.
She said on Friday night’s show: “I can exclusively reveal that Nick and Luba will be dancing tomorrow night. Great news, we will finally get to see their Charleston.”
Earlier this week, Nick raised fans’ hope by confirming he had been cleared to return to the training room following his knee injury.
Addressing his followers on social media, the telly star said physios had told him he could resume rehearsals for this weekend’s live show.
Nick said on Wednesday: “I am behind the scenes at It Takes Two and the good news is that the physios have cleared me to train tomorrow.
“That’s not an all clear for Saturday yet, so I have to see how I can get on tomorrow and then a decision will be made on Friday.”
During his appearance on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two that night, Nick also confirmed his hopes for remaining in the competition.
Speaking to host and former pro Janette Manrara, while sitting alongside Luba, he said show bosses were keeping a watchful eye on his injuries.
Luba said on It Takes Two that she would adapt their Paddington Bear-themed routine to make allowances for Nick’s injuries.
She explained: “We will take it step-by-step and see what is comfortable and maybe what is feeling uncomfortable.
“We will create it together.”
Nick first hurt himself at the beginning of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, which kicked off last month.
He injured his shoulder while changing a car tyre and even took part in some training sessions while wearing a sling.
Then last week, The Sun revealed he had been given a free pass to this weekend’s live show after sustaining a second nasty injury.
Nick was forced to pull out of the live telly contest after landing awkwardly while doing a jump during the Movie Week dress rehearsal.
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He later confirmed his disappointment, telling fans on social media that he had been for an X-ray on his knee.
Nick added: “I’m absolutely gutted and feeling very very sad.”
A source told us at the time: “It is such a devastating blow for him and he is being supported by the Strictly team.
“They are sending him for scans and are doing everything they can to make sure he is okay.
“Nick had to fight to make sure he could take part in the first live show after hurting his arm and shoulder and he did so well.
“This new injury has been a real blow and he is incredibly upset about it.
“Luba and Nick are hoping it is just something minor and that he can recover in time for next week.”
Nick and Luba will take to the dance floor alongside their fellow competitors on BBC One at 6.20pm tomorrow (Saturday October 12).