Nick Knowles appeared on Lorraine to discuss his impressive weight loss of two stone, which he attributed to the rigorous rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing. He shared that the demanding training sessions have not only significantly improved his fitness but also contributed to his overall well-being.
During the interview, Knowles also addressed the ongoing BBC bullying row, breaking his silence on the matter. He acknowledged the controversy but did not go into detail about his personal stance or experiences. Instead, Knowles focused on his health transformation and the positive impact of his time on Strictly.
Nick Knowles appeared on Lorraine with his professional partner Luba Mushtuk, revealing his remarkable two-stone weight loss due to the demanding Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals. The 61-year-old DIY SOS star discussed his preparation for the upcoming first live show on Saturday night and praised the supportive environment on the show.
He also addressed the BBC’s Strictly bullying row, stating that everyone involved has been “super kind and helpful” to him, and emphasized the positive experience he’s had on the show despite the controversy.
Nick Knowles praised his Strictly Come Dancing partner Luba Mushtuk, calling her a “wonderful combo of brilliant and patient.” He admitted that starting the dance rehearsals was challenging due to his lack of experience and physical build but noted that he’s making progress. Knowles revealed he’s lost 13 kilos so far and mentioned he’s also busy with DIY SOS, with a new build project scheduled for next month.
Luba Mushtuk praised Nick Knowles for his progress, calling him a “good student” who gives himself feedback. The pair addressed the ongoing Strictly Come Dancing scandals, including Giovanni Pernice’s departure following bullying allegations and Graziano Di Prima’s sacking after admitting to kicking his partner.
Nick acknowledged the support and resources available, stating that despite the issues, his experience has been positive. Luba welcomed the presence of new chaperones at rehearsals, noting their usefulness for routine filming.
The discussion follows former pro Ian Waite’s controversial suggestion to ban Italians from the show in light of the recent scandals.
Ian Waite’s comments on the Stripping Off With Matt Haycox podcast suggested a link between the Italian dancers and the recent scandals, advising against hiring Italian pros in the future. He expressed concerns over the lack of safeguarding guidelines for pro dancers, which he felt contributed to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Waite shared that he had experienced disagreements with partners but emphasized the need for clear, documented guidelines to handle such situations. He also reminisced about beloved former pros like Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, highlighting their positive impact on fans.
Amid the ongoing controversy, the BBC chose to focus on the positive aspects of the show during the launch, featuring Amy Dowden’s vibrant return in a dazzling fuchsia gown following her battle with cancer.
