Strictly Come Dancing 2024's Nick Knowles dealt fresh blow as he's given 'no alternative'

Nick Knowles has been given the green light to attempt to train for the first time in a week as he desperately tries to recover in time for this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing

The fate of injured Nick Knowles's participation in Strictly Come Dancing hangs in the balance, with a verdict postponed until tomorrow, offering him a sliver of hope to continue. Despite his determination, the very dance that triggered his injury the demanding Charleston may prove problematic.

Nick, 62, has bravely stepped back into rehearsals today, armed with special permission to carry on with the number he'd prepared for Movie Week last Saturday. Alongside his partner Luba Mushtuk, they're gunning to dazzle audiences to the tune of Rain on the Roof from Paddington 2.

But the Charleston is notorious for its knee-straining antics, amplified by frequent twists, turns, and the iconic knock knee comedy staple. Complicating matters further is how it can lead to "Charleston knee", an ailment spawned from its syncopated beat, quirky leg quirks, and frenetic arm flails. There simply isn't enough time to master a new, less strenuous routine, disclosed a show source, reports the Mirror.

"The plan is to rehearse today and Friday and then a final decision will be made about Saturday evening. He is going to try and do the routine he'd already learned for Movie Week. It's unfortunate it's a Charleston because it's very hard to do without lots of knee action, but there is no alternative. Everyone has their fingers crossed for him," an insider shared.

Nick was granted a bye last week due to his leg injury, but according to Strictly rules, contestants can only miss one week due to illness or injury before being forced to withdraw. After resting since last Friday, the TV personality received clearance from the show's medical and physio teams to resume training today.

His partner, Luba, has vowed to "go gentle" with him and has modified the dance to make it as manageable as possible.

With his continued participation in the BBC show now uncertain, Nick expressed his determination to persevere and remains "very hopeful" that he will be dancing in the studio on Saturday night. He reported that his leg was feeling "a little bit better" each day.

During an appearance on It Takes Two earlier this week, he stated that if he could complete two days of training, "it's not necessarily the end of it".

Nick's latest injury comes on the heels of a previous performance with a wounded arm, which he sustained while changing a tyre on the roadside, injuring his shoulder. Now, he's had enough of the setbacks, saying he's "sick and tired" of getting hurt and just wants to focus on the dancing.

Meanwhile, footballer Paul Merson, who is tipped by bookmakers to be eliminated this weekend, might just gain an advantage from Nick's misfortune.