BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Nick Knowles breaks silence after missing final

Strictly Come Dancing star Nick Knowles has issued a public message after missing the final of the hit show. Comedian Chris McCausland was crowned the winner of 2024 in an emotional ending to the series.

But fans at home had noticed that two stars hadn't returned with the rest of the cast for a final dance on the BBC show. Instead they were replaced by dancers holding photos of the stars as the others who had been knocked out gave one last performance.

Paul Merson had told BBC bosses he wasn't feeling well and couldn't attend in news revealed just before the show aires. Meanwhile Nick Knowles had to bow out dye to recently having surgery.

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He had injured himself during rehearsals for the competition with partner Luba Mushtuk. He eportedly did a jump and took a bad landing.

Taking to X after the winner was announced, Nick sent his congratulations from home. He said: "Congrats to my wonderful, kind, determined and lovely friend @chrismccausland and the extraordinary, lovely, talented @dbuzz6589 on their well deserved victory on @bbcstrictly. Winners in so many ways tonight."

Nick had earlier revealed he wouldn't be at the final, writing on X: "Sadly I won’t be taking part in @bbcstrictly final tonight as I’ve only just had a major knee operation but I’ll be watching & cheering on my buddies going for the title who all deserve to be champions.

"Thank you for your get well soon messages. Merry Xmas to you all."