DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles was forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a rehearsal for the BBC show

TV star Nick Knowles has had to pay for his own treatment after suffering a knee injury on Strictly Come Dancing, as he was reportedly not covered by the show’s insurance. The 62 year old DIY SOS presenter tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a rehearsal for this year’s series, forcing him and professional partner Luba Mushtuk, 35, to briefly withdraw before later being voted off.

Over the weekend, Nick posted pictures and videos of himself in a brace and using crutches, thanking fans for their supportive messages. He revealed that he is learning to walk up stairs again after two major operations, and disclosed that the BBC show’s insurance did not cover his surgeries despite him injuring his knee doing a jump in rehearsals, reports Birmingham Live.

He wrote: “Thank you for all the amazing messages. To answer a few questions . . . the brace helps keep it stable as I recover. No, Strictly insurance did not cover the operations. I paid for them myself but I’m hoping they will help with rehab.”

READ MORE: Nick Knowles ‘learning to walk again’ as he shows grim reality of nasty injury

He also praised his fiancée Katie Dadzie, 34, for her unwavering support throughout his recovery. In a humorous aside, Nick joked: “In my ­letter to Santa, I did not have two major operations – three knee and one elbow braces, and learning to walk upstairs again – but that’s what he brought me.”

“One of the most expensive Xmas holidays ever. But determined to walk normally ready for DIY SOS in February.”

Strictly Come Dancing’s Nick Knowles ( 
Image:
Nick Knowles Instagram)

Nick Knowles struggles to walk up stairs in video as he shares health update ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @nickknowles)
In another update, Nick Knowles detailed the rigorous recovery programme for his injured knee, sharing snaps of an “equine knee therapy unit”, pressure leggings, wet cupping and a cryogenic cuff. He disclosed: “I’m taking turmeric, collagen and various other supplements to promote healing. Will try anything at this stage to get back moving normally.”

The financial toll of Nick’s knee surgery is presumed hefty, with doctors typically charging around £8,000 for such private treatments.

A mate spilled the beans to The Sun about Nick’s deep disappointment over how his injury cut short his time on Strictly, mentioning: “Nick was gutted the injury ­ultimately cost him his time on the show. He was determined to do as well as he could and fought through the pain barrier.”

The pal also remarked: “He did himself proud, but now he faces a long and expensive road to recovery. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.”

While Strictly ensures its stars, coverage isn’t blanket, leaving celebs to arrange their own personal insurance against accidents.