Fans of Strictly Come Dancing are still reeling from the recent elimination of DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, who became the show’s third celebrity contestant to leave the competition. Knowles, 62, had only just returned to the dancing competition following a knee injury, which had forced him to miss movie week, and his departure on Sunday’s results show left many viewers feeling emotional.
The elimination unfolded during a tense dance-off, where Knowles and his professional partner Luba Mushtuk faced off against former X Factor winner Shayne Ward and his partner Nancy Xu. Knowles and Mushtuk performed their Charleston to "Rain On The Roof" from the Paddington 2 soundtrack, but unfortunately, the judges seemed underwhelmed, with the trio of judges—Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—all voting to save Ward and Xu, who had performed their cha cha to "Ain’t No Love (Ain’t No Use)" by Sub Sub featuring Melanie Williams.
After the judges made their collective decision, Knowles expressed his surprise and gratitude for the experience. He remarked, "I’ve really, really been surprised by how much I’ve loved doing it and by two things: one is how much you care each week, and the other is how much you don’t want to let down your partner." He couldn’t help but commend Luba, saying, "The only reason I could do this is simply because of Luba’s changes; she’s been amazing."
Knowles had suffered from injuries not just to his knee, but also to his shoulder and arm earlier in the competition, leaving fans to discuss the unluckiness of his Strictly experience. Despite the disappointment surrounding his elimination, he highlighted how grateful he was for the support of those involved with the show, including the physios and production staff, stating, "Luba’s been amazing and just been so fabulous every day."
Social media has been ablaze with fan reactions surrounding Knowles's elimination. Many expressed their sympathy and support for the star, who had been dedicated and motivated throughout his time on the show. One fan wrote, "Heartbroken for @MrNickKnowles & Luba. He's had the worst luck in this competition, getting two injuries but still showed so much spirit. They truly deserved another week!" Another noted, "It’s not fair—Nick’s determination made him such a strong contender, he deserved to stay longer!"
On Instagram, Knowles thanked his supporters for their encouragement during his time on the show, adding, "Gutted I couldn’t stay longer, but it’s been a fantastic experience thanks so much for the support." This heartfelt message showcased his love for the show and respect for his partner Luba, who was left visibly emotional upon their elimination. Luba praised Knowles for his determination, stating, "You are amazing!!! And you did your absolute best!"
The Strictly Come Dancing results show also featured special performances, including one by the professional dancers set to Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams" and musical offerings from the band Snow Patrol, ensuring fans were entertained even amid the bittersweet farewells.
Meanwhile, reactions were mixed across social media platforms as fans rallied behind Knowles and Mushtuk, sharing moments of their performances, highlighting their growth as dance partners, and the support they had shown one another throughout the competition.
The elimination of Nick Knowles was also layered with feelings of relief and sympathy among viewers. Many shared their emotional responses following the latest episode, emphasizing how much they admired the resilience shown by the contestants, particularly Knowles, who navigated considerable challenges on his dancing quest. The audience remained hopeful for future shows as they celebrated the memorable moments shared on the dance floor.
Next week, Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One with the dance floor still shining and ready for more contestants to seize their moment. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will make the next cut and what emotional journeys will be unveiled as the competition heats up.
