Strictly fans left FUMING after Nick Knowles is given free pass to next week’s show after pulling out due to ANOTHER jury – as the DIY SOS star breaks his silence

Strictly Come Dancing fans are furious after Nick Knowles was given a free pass to next week’s show after pulling out due to injury.

The DIY SOS star, 62, will miss Movie Week, just a week after his future on the show was called into question due to a shoulder problem, before it was reported that he fell and injured his knee during rehearsals, leaving him on crutches.

BBC bosses confirmed in a statement that Nick and partner Luba Mushtuk would be parting ways next week ‘as per show rules’, but fans were left furious.

Taking to X one wrote: ‘Looks like #NickKnowles will NOT be dancing #Strictly this weekend. As normal according to the rules, they get a free pass for next Saturday. Do I like these rules? No, I’ve always said: if you miss a week, you should automatically be off the show.’

A source also said that The sun: ‘Nick will not be able to take part in Strictly tomorrow night due to a knee injury. He was in a dress rehearsal with his partner Luba Mushtuk when he took a jump and landed awkwardly.

‘Nick has hurt his knee and now has to use crutches to get around. It’s such a devastating blow to him and he’s being supported by the Strictly team.

‘They’re sending him for scans and doing everything they can to make sure he’s fine. 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 angry about it.’

This is far from the first time Strictly stars have suffered nasty injuries during their time on the show, with Zara McDermott suffering a nasty broken leg last year, but she decided to plow on and perform.

Just last week, Nick was sweating in place after sustaining the injury while changing a tire when his car broke down while driving to his 62nd birthday last week.

Taking to Instagram, Nick said: ‘On the way to the studios this is show day. I had the two days to learn the dance as best I could’

‘I promise that tonight I will give it my all and try to do it right, [pro partner] Luba [Mushtuk] has worked her magic in choreographing something amazing’.

‘All I have to do now is execute it. It’s been a tough week, but I’m really looking forward to dancing later tonight and don’t worry about my shoulder, which is getting stronger every day.”

“Thank you for all your wishes of support and all the love you’ve sent and remember, I’m in the bottom four because of last week. If I don’t dance well tonight I could get in trouble, so please vote to keep me and Luba in the competition!’

Nick was given the green light by show bosses, a decision boosted by his popularity among viewers, and returned to dancing in week two, when he scored 21 out of 40 points.

A source said The mirror: ‘Nick and Luba’s attitude is very much that the show must go on, and they were delighted when he was given the go-ahead. They’re even going to try a lift.

Luba has told Nick that the move she was planning for the routine can be made safely for him – so as it stands, they’re still going to do that. Nick is completely behind it, because the last thing he wants is a sympathy vote.

‘Now that he has been told he can perform this week, he is determined to come out with full force and give the routine everything he has got.

‘He and Luba are now rehearsing at Elstree to help them make up for the time they have lost this week.’

Former Strictly Professional Janette Manrara also confirmed that the presenter would remain with the show while presenting Thursday’s episode of It Takes Two.

Nick’s left arm was placed in a sling after the injury and he waited to see if he could dance.

The TV star then shared an Instagram video, revealing that his recovery is going well and that a final decision will be made soon on whether he will be able to dance during Saturday’s live show.

‘So, a little update for you. I just got out of the bath after a day of training that went very, very well,” Nick told his followers.

‘The shoulder is recovering very well. I also saw a great physio today, which helped a lot.”

He revealed that producers and his team of medics will decide on Thursday whether he will dance over the weekend.

‘So tomorrow I have another day of training. It will be decided tomorrow afternoon whether I can actually compete on Saturday,” Nick explained, adding that he was hopeful.

‘I’m doing my very best to get there. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. So hopefully I’ll see you on Saturday.’

Earlier on Wednesday, Nick revealed he was heading to the training studio to meet partner Luba to see what he could possibly do – and hopefully get permission to dance.

“It’s a really big day for me,” he told fans in a video. “I really hope we find out on Saturday that I can dance.”

Nick shared the video of him walking to the dance studio and said: ‘Good morning everyone. It was an interesting few days, I can tell you that. Lots to think about, lots of people to see. There are a lot of people trying to make everything work.

“I’m feeling good, my arms still in a sling to make sure he rests when I’m not using him, but today I’m going to try dancing to see what my capabilities are.

‘Luba is trying to prepare a dance that works for me. ‘

He added: “I really want to be part of the competition, so fingers crossed.”