Strictly Come Dancing bosses are said to be working on a contingency plan to keep injured Nick Knowles in the competition, as the team waits for the DIY SOS star to be given the all-clear.
Knowles revealed that the injury happened on Sunday after breaking down on the motorway with his 10-year-old son in the car on the way to his own birthday party.
Speaking to Janette Manrara during It Takes Two on Monday night, he explained: “It was raining and there were big lorries going past, I tried to do it quickly and change it quickly, and as I took the tyre off I damaged my bicep and damaged my arm.
“I just want to say thank you to the two policemen from Taplow who turned up and helped me get the tyre back on, they were lovely. Then I went on, I was like, ‘Okay I have hurt it, but it’s okay,’ and then it got worse and worse. I actually missed my birthday party because of being stuck on the motorway.”
“At this stage, we don’t know if you are going to be able to dance on Saturday,” Manrara said before Knowles interjected: “I’m hopeful! I will find out more tomorrow, but I am fully expecting to go into training and I am hopeful I will be dancing.”
Since the initial injury, it has been reported that show bosses are keen not to lose the star from its 20th-anniversary series, and have made plans to give the star a “free pass” to week three while he recovers.
The move allows Knowles to continue without forcing him to withdraw from the competition completely, with a source telling MailOnline: “They are all anxiously waiting to get the all clear from the medical team about Nick being able to compete this weekend, but are determined not to lose him from the show.
“He is such a popular figure with viewers, and if he needs time to recover he will get a free pass to return the following week, all being well. If that bothers other contestants, then so be it. The bosses want him back.”
On Tuesday evening, Knowles issued an update on his condition, and posted on his Instagram: “Arm update! Today I have seen Dr’s and Physio who have been wonderful.
“I’ve had scans (I’ll spare you the grim details) and although it’s feeling a bit better today, the issue is, we don’t know if I can actually use my arm to dance.
“So tomorrow, I’m going to rehearsals with @lubamushtuk and the physio to see just what my arm can do. Then the medics will make a call on if they think I can continue dancing. I am still really hopeful that I’ll be able to dance this weekend. So fingers crossed…”
Knowles was flooded with support from his Strictly co-stars and fans, with partner Luba Mushtuk and professional Lauren Oakley both commenting on the post with a fingers crossed emoji.
One fan said: “That’s a stinker and not even a dance injury. Really hope it works out, It’s such a shame to set you back so early in the series.”
“You were fab on Saturday, really hoping to see you this week,” another added before a third said: “Thoughts and prayers Nick.”
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“Nooooo. Keeping everything crossed for you,” a fourth penned before someone else noted: “Keeping everything crossed you can dance if not this week then next week.”
A sixth expressed: “Keeping everything crossed for you Nick. It will be a shame if your Strictly journey ends before it really should.” (sic)
