Nick Knowles was forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing back in October after sustaining an injury to his knee during rehearsals

Nick Knowles looked to be in serious pain as he left hospital on crutches this morning.

The 62-year-old Strictly Come Dancing star had to pull out of one of the live shows in October after badly injuring his knee during rehearsals. But he was pictured struggling to walk with pins up his left leg and on his left arm.

His injury was so bad that the DIY SOS presenter had to undergo surgery and has since shared it could take around nine months for him to recover.

Disaster is said to have struck during a dress rehearsal with pro partner Luba Mushtuk, which reportedly saw the star do a jump and take a bad landing. It came just weeks after the TV host hurt his shoulder and arm whilst changing a car tyre.

Nick, 62, had to have surgery following a fall during Strictly rehearsals ( 
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w8media)

Pictured with pro partner Luba Mushtuk on this year’s series ( 
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PA)

Nick is being supported by his 34-year-old fiancée Katie Dadzie, who runs a lingerie company. The pair shared a kiss as Nick hobbled to Katie’s 4×4 so she could give him a lift home following his recent operation.

They got engaged in 2023 after meeting through their children and hope to marry next year. And Nick is determined to recover and be able to dance at their wedding. He shared: “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.”

The TV veteran praised his “amazing” Katie for taking him to his hospital appointments and even “putting his trousers on” as he can’t do that himself at the moment. That’s perhaps why he was spotted in shorts despite it being a cold winter day.

Due to his injury, it’s thought that if Nick is watching the Strictly final tonight he’ll be doing it from the comfort of his sofa rather than as part of the live audience in the studio.

Nick was supported by his fiancee Katie Dadzie who he shared a kiss with after his op ( 
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Nick was forced to pull out of the competition in early October after picking up a second dancing injury. Confirming the news to the Mirror at the time, a Strictly spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, Nick Knowles sustained an injury during rehearsals and as a result, will not dance this weekend.”

Clarifying the rules regarding Nick’s situation, they added: “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.”

Speaking on Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two, Nick confirmed his injury was worse than first thought and said: “During our rehearsal today… Unfortunately I damaged my knee and it’s quite painful. So the physios have decided I need to go for a MRI (scan).”

Nick and Luba left the competition following a dance off against Shayne and Nancy during the third Results Show of the series. With three votes in favour of Shayne and Nancy, they won the majority vote meaning that Nick and Luba would be leaving the competition.

Asked about his time on the show afterwards, Nick said: “I’ve really, really been surprised by how much I’ve loved doing it and by two things that happen. One is how much you care each week, and the other is how much you don’t want to let down your partner. The only reason I could do this is simply because of Luba’s changes, she’s been amazing.”

He added: “Luba’s been amazing and just been so fabulous every day. And I should say thank you also to all the background staff, the physios, all the people that have actually got me through this week, and to all of my fellow competitors who have been absolutely astounding, beautiful people. There are some amazing dancers up there, and I will love watching the rest of the series.”