TV personality Nick Knowles has had to fork out for treatment for a knee injury sustained during Strictly Come Dancing, as he reportedly wasn't covered by the show's insurance. The 62 year old DIY SOS star tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a rehearsal for this year's series, causing him and professional partner Luba Mushtuk, 35, to briefly withdraw before later being voted off.
Over the weekend, Nick shared images and videos of himself in a brace and on crutches, expressing gratitude for the supportive messages he'd received. He told fans he was learning to walk up stairs again following two major operations, and revealed the BBC show's insurance hadn't covered his surgeries despite him damaging his knee doing a jump in rehearsals.
He wrote: "Thank you for all the amazing messages. To answer a few questions . . . the brace helps keep it stable as I recover. No, Strictly insurance did not cover the operations. I paid for them myself but I’m hoping they will help with rehab."
He also credited his fiancée Katie Dadzie, 34, for her unwavering support throughout his recovery. In a light-hearted moment, Nick quipped: "In my letter to Santa, I did not have two major operations — three knee and one elbow braces, and learning to walk upstairs again — but that’s what he brought me. One of the most expensive Xmas holidays ever. But determined to walk normally ready for DIY SOS in February."
In another post, he shared pictures of the extensive measures taken to rehabilitate his injured knee, including an "equine knee therapy unit", pressure leggings, wet cupping and a cryogenic cuff. Nick added: "I’m taking turmeric, collagen and various other supplements to promote healing. Will try anything at this stage to get back moving normally."
The cost of Nick's knee operation is believed to have been substantial, with similar private procedures estimated at around £8,000. A friend of Nick's told The Sun: "Nick was gutted the injury ultimately cost him his time on the show. He was determined to do as well as he could and fought through the pain barrier. He did himself proud, but now he faces a long and expensive road to recovery. It’s a bitter pill to swallow."
While Strictly contestants are insured by the show, not all injuries are covered, and they must also carry personal insurance.
