STRICTLY star Nick Knowles has revealed that he has been forced to miss the final tonight – and sit out of the group dance.
The remaining pairs are set to battle it out during a spectacular two-and-a-half-hour extravaganza to win the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Nick– who suffered two injuries during his stint competing for the Strictly Glitterball trophy – recently underwent the procedure with a nine-week recovery period.
The DIY SOS presenter, 60, took to social media an hour before tonight’s live final and said he would be absent from the show.
He posted a picture in a hospital bed with his leg in a brace and said: “So as you may have read. I won’t be on tonight’s Strictly final, as I’ve only just had a major operation on my knee.”
Nick went on to say: “But I’d like to wish all the finalists the best of luck for tonight’s show – they all deserve to be champions.
“And thank you to everyone who voted or sent kind messages about my recovery.
“Merry Xmas all and a happy New Year. See you for a brand new series of BBC DIY SOS in the new year.”
A Strictly spokeswoman said: “Nick was unable to return for the final, group dance during the Strictly Grand Final. He will be missed, but is still very much part of the Strictly family of 2024 and will be seen in a VT during the night.”
Just days ago, Nick was seen clad in a leg brace which spanned from his left ankle to his knee, and negotiating the pavements with a pair of crutches.
The TV star also had an arm brace covering his left elbow from a separate injury, and wore a short-sleeve top to better accommodate for his strapping.
Nick’s first injury mishap came before he was booted off Strictly with show partner Luba Mushtuk.
It occurred when Nick was changing a tyre on his car, resulting in him hurting his shoulder after the first live show.
The presenter’s Strictly future was then left hanging in the balance after a failed knee jump in rehearsals, leaving him on crutches and needing his surgery.
He has kept his fans in the loop with his health battles, recently revealing he needed an MRI scan on his arm.
Meanwhile, The Sun recently exclusively revealed Nick’s return date to telly despite his injuries.
The DIY SOS anchor will be back on screens in the New Year for another run of his Amazing Railway Adventures on Channel 5.
An insider said: “It’s clear viewers enjoy a railway during, given the sheer amount of shows on right now across multiple channels, it’s escapism television.
“Chris Tarrant’s previous travel series performed well for Channel 5 before the veteran decided to retire and Nick is just as popular with viewers.
“Another adventure was recorded well before Nick signed up to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
“It’s been kept on the shelf by bosses but will be broadcast at some point next year in a prime time slot.”
Nick has previously told how his operation will require him to keep things low-key over the festive period.
He explained: “I’ll be resting until February but then I’m due to film for DIY SOS.
“I’m really hoping I’ll be back on my feet by then, although I won’t be fully recovered until August next year.
“We’ve booked our wedding for next summer and the plan is for us to be able to do a first dance.
“It won’t be a full Strictly routine but I’m determined to have a special dance with Katie.”
Strictly first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
Here is a full list of who has been lucky enough to win the famous Glitterball Trophy:
