BBC Strictly Come Dancing star sheds two stone and gives seven-word training insight

'DIY SOS' star Nick Knowles has been training hard for 'Strictly Come Dancing'

Nick Knowles has described his training for 'Strictly Come Dancing' as "tougher than rugby". The 62 year old TV presenter, who's competing for the glitterball trophy in this year's BBC series, has found rehearsing with dance partner Luba Mushtuk to be a challenge unlike any he's faced on the rugby field.

Speaking to The Times, Nick shared details of the intensity of preparation for the Saturday night show. Seven words summed it up: "This is much tougher than rugby training."

With over two stone shed since commencing his Strictly journey last month, Nick feels his transformation, saying, "I can feel myself transforming from a very heavy bloke lumbering around the room to somebody who is becoming lighter and more elegant on his feet."

Read more: Another blow for Strictly star

Despite facing an arm injury due to a tyre change mishap, Nick avoided early elimination, expressing relief at being saved: It was a big relief, much more than I expected. Two surprises since I started 'Strictly' are how much I care about getting the dance right, and how much I don't want to let down my family and friends and dance partner.

He further encouraged viewers with a dose of inspiration: "For anybody at home watching there's a genuine feeling of, 'Why not? It's never too late.

"I literally have never danced, I'm knackered from years of rugby injuries, and I'm not shaped like a dancer. If I can do it, everybody can."

The remaining 14 pairs will hit the dance floor for a Movie Week special when ' Strictly Come Dancing ' makes its return on Saturday, 5 October at 6:25pm, with the results show airing on Sunday, 6 October at 7:15pm on BBC One.