Nick Knowles explains his Strictly absence as star pulls out of the show's final

Nick Knowles took to his Instagram to explain his absence from the Strictly final on Saturday evening.

The 62-year-old star filmed himself watching the live show from the comfort of his fiancée Katie Dadzie's home in Berkshire.

He told his followers: 'Hello everyone. So it's Saturday night, and the big final is on TV. I'm watching it, same as you, but from home rather than being in the studio because, unfortunately, I had a big arm operation, and I've now also had a big leg operation. 

'As a result, I'm only two days out from surgery, so I can't be there.

'But I'm sat here watching the amazing show like you, wishing the best of luck to my buddies - JB, Sarah, Chris, and Tasha - who all deserve to be champions, so I hope they all do great. 

'Thank you for all your lovely well-wishes and for wishing me a speedy recovery. I'm really sorry I can't be there with all the others too. It's been the most wonderful experience. 

'Merry Christmas to all of you, happy New Year, and congratulations to whoever wins the final.'

Alongside the clip, he penned: 'So I can't be there at the final because I'm only two days out of surgery and it was quite a big operation on my knee - for those that want to know it was a full ACL reconstruction and two meniscus repairs which included harvesting a replacement tendon from my hamstring - and I'm still recovering from the operation to re attach my distal bicep which makes moving on crutches difficult too.

'I had to have the operation now to be mobile and ready to start filming on @BBCDIYSOS at the beginning of February.

'Lots of rehab and work with physios to come but I will go at it as hard as I did the dance training and success will be managed in stages.

'First to be able to walk without crutches, climb stairs, walk safely on uneven ground by February and then dance too as I have to be able to do my first dance at my wedding in June and I'm assured if I work hard I will be back to 100% as good as new in about 8 months

'Best of luck to my buddies competing tonight and those who are back together in studio. I loved the dancing and the cameraderie - the injuries not so much.

'Merry Xmas to you all and thank you for your wonderful messages wishing me to get well soon.

'I've got some great work coming this year with more amazing DIY SOS shows - two of which we have filmed already and so many wonderful families to introduce you to - there's two amazing travel shows through Mongolia coming soon too which is epic and beautiful and full of amazing people.

'So as I lay on the sofa looking like half a Darth Vader with all the added robot attachments I wish you a happy Christmas and an adventurous and fun new year. See you in 2025.'

Nick wasn't the only star missing from Saturday's final, as Paul Merson was also absent from the show.

Former footballer-turned-pundit Paul, 56, who was partnered with Karen Hauer, did not turn up to show as he was unwell. 

A Strictly spokeswoman told The Sun: 'Paul is unwell today unfortunately. He will be very much missed and is sad he couldn't make it.'

Earlier in the day, Nick looked in serious pain as he left hospital on crutches after having surgery.

He had to pull out of this years live shows in October after badly injuring his knee during rehearsals.

Nick was seen struggling to walk after having surgery on his left knee and he also had pins on his left arm.

The DIY SOS presenter has since revealed that it could take him around nine month to recover from the injuries.

Nick looked to be in good hands though as he was supported by his 34-year-old fiancée Katie Dadzie, who runs a lingerie company.

The pair shared a kiss as Nick walked to Katie's 4x4 so she could give him a lift home following the recent operation.

The TV presenter kept comfortable in a short sleeved black T-shirt which he teamed with a pair of shorts and white Nike trainers.

Disaster first struck for Nick during a dress rehearsal with Strictly pro partner Luba Mushtuk, which reportedly saw the star do a jump and take a bad landing.

It came just weeks after the TV host hurt his shoulder and arm whilst changing a car tyre.

Nick is now hoping he will recover in time for his first dance at his wedding to Katie next summer.

He shared: 'We've booked our wedding for next summer and the plan is for us to be able to do a first dance. It won't be a full Strictly routine but I'm determined to have a special dance with Katie.'

The TV veteran praised his 'amazing' Katie for taking him to his hospital appointments and even 'putting his trousers on' as he can't do that himself at the moment.