Strictly Come Dancing star admits 'surprise' after becoming third contestant to be axed from show

The DIY SOS star Nick Knowles has become the third celebrity to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing

DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles was the third celebrity to leave the dance floor in the 20th anniversary series of Strictly Come Dancing. The 62-year-old television personality made his comeback this weekend after sitting out movie week due to a knee injury.

In tonight's results show, Knowles and his professional partner Luba Mushtuk competed in the dance off against ex-X Factor champion Shayne Ward and his partner Nancy Xu. While Ward and Xu performed their cha cha to "Ain’t No Love (Ain’t No Use)" by Sub Sub featuring Melanie Williams, Knowles and Mushtuk danced a Charleston to "Rain On The Roof" from the Paddington 2 soundtrack.

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke were unanimous in their decision to save Ward and Xu, with head judge Shirley Ballas concurring. Speaking to co-host Tess Daly about his experience, Knowles expressed: "I’ve really, really been surprised by how much I’ve loved doing it and by two things that happen."

He continued, "One is how much you care each week, and the other is how much you don’t want to let down your partner."

He praised his dance partner, saying, "The only reason I could do this is simply because of Luba’s changes, she’s been amazing."

Knowles also showed gratitude towards the behind-the-scenes team and his fellow contestants, adding, "Luba’s been amazing and just been so fabulous every day."

"And I should say thank you also to all the background staff, the physios, all the people that have actually got me through this week, and to all of my fellow competitors who have been absolutely astounding, beautiful people."

The TV presenter said: "There are some amazing dancers up there, and I will love watching the rest of the series."

Knowles suffered a knee injury during rehearsals the day before last week's live show, admitting "it was a huge disappointment". He had previously hurt his shoulder and arm while changing a car tyre.

Sunday's results show also featured a special routine by the professional dancers to Taylor Swift's Wildest Dreams, led by Nikita Kuzmin and Karen Hauer. Additionally, rock band Snow Patrol performed their song Everything's Here And Nothing's Lost.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One on Saturday, October 19 at 6:25pm, with the results show airing on October 20 at 7:20pm, also on BBC One.