Strictly star Nick Knowles, aged 62, discloses the circumstances that nearly led to the dissolution of his relationship with fiancée Katie Dadzie, aged 33, and explains the reasons she began to question the viability of their partnership.
Nick Knowles, 62, renowned for his role on DIY SOS and currently competing on Strictly Come Dancing, has acknowledged that his relationship with fiancée Katie Dadzie has faced significant challenges. He admitted that there were moments when Dadzie, who is 28 years his junior, questioned whether their relationship could endure.
In an interview with The Times, Nick Knowles disclosed that his fiancée, Katie Dadzie, refrains from being photographed with him due to the “horrible racist abuse” she endures. Knowles further revealed that the brunette is frequently subjected to accusations of being a “gold digger” by online trolls.
The frustrated Nick Knowles admitted that the abuse his fiancée, Katie Dadzie, receives can be “unpleasant and unfair.” He commended her as a “super-intelligent” mother of two, highlighting her success in launching a lingerie brand that was stocked in Next just eight months after its debut.
Discussing the strain this public scrutiny places on their relationship, Knowles explained: “People can be properly vile, so it’s understandable when she says, ‘I don’t know if I want to be around this.'” When asked if he persuaded her to stay, he clarified that he didn’t, expressing his understanding of her feelings, while emphasizing that the strength of their love ultimately helped them endure.
Knowles and Dadzie made their first public appearance together in September 2021, following the end of his relationship with PR professional Emily Hallinan in February 2020. Speaking candidly about his hopes for his upcoming marriage, Knowles expressed that he believes “the third time is the charm” and that this will be his final marriage.
Reflecting on his past relationships, Knowles admitted that his workaholic tendencies and the pressures of fame contributed to their breakdowns. He expressed frustration with the continued focus on these past relationships, asserting that they are not “relevant” to his current life and relationship.
Nick Knowles, who recently faced accusations of making a past misogynistic slur, also condemned the “horrible” abuse directed at his fiancée, Katie Dadzie, due to their relationship. He acknowledged that Katie has questioned whether their romance is worth the ongoing drama.
In an interview with The Times, Knowles, whose ex-girlfriend Gemma Oaten recently alleged that he had cruelly ended their relationship, expressed his frustration with the constant resurfacing of his past marriages, divorces, and break-ups. He noted it was “odd” that people he dated over a decade ago continue to comment on their experiences with him.
Knowles remarked that while he has had “a lot of relationships” over the past 40 years, he does not believe the number is “abnormal.” He highlighted that, unlike him, his partners did not choose to live in the public eye.
He admitted that his workaholism and the demands of fame contributed to the end of some of his previous relationships, explaining that being away for extended periods and the pressures of being in the spotlight can make dating him challenging. He elaborated: “People think dating me will be fun, but then I’m away for months. Or you take them to a premiere; they think it will be glamorous, but suddenly they’re in front of 40 photographers on the red carpet, and it’s terrifying. It’s not glamorous; it’s really horrible and intense.”
However, Knowles acknowledged that there are many professions far more challenging than his, citing careers in the military, police, and NHS as examples.
Nick Knowles, the TV star, separated from his wife Jessica Rose Moor in 2016, and later dated PR professional Emily Hallinan, with whom he split in February 2020. He was previously married to Gillian Knowles from 1996 to 2000.
Katie Dadzie, Knowles’ current fiancée, has two daughters, Savannah, nine, and Alex, six, from a previous relationship. Knowles has four children from three different relationships: he shares daughter Tuesday and son Charlie with ex-wife Gillian, a son TJ with dancer Paula Beckett, and another son, Eddie, born in 2014, with Jessica Rose Moor. Notably, Nick met Katie through his youngest son, Eddie.
Nick Knowles’ recent candid comments about his love life follow allegations that he made inappropriate remarks, including referring to women from the North East as “munters,” during a conversation with a young charity worker. According to The Sun, the TV presenter is accused of making a series of lewd and offensive remarks, while filming DIY SOS: The Big Build, and of ogling the woman’s breasts.
The charity worker, a mother-of-one, reportedly felt embarrassed and mortified by their interaction. She claims that during a 2018 episode where a home was renovated for a young blind girl, Knowles arrived late after drinking the night before, appeared hungover, and smelled of alcohol and cigarettes.
The woman further alleged that when her microphone accidentally fell down her blouse, Knowles commented, “It’s a shame that’s not a camera.” She also claimed that he told her she was the “first good-looking woman” he had seen in the North East. It is understood that Knowles does not recall making these remarks.
The woman, speaking to The Sun, recounted feeling deeply humiliated by Nick Knowles during their interaction, stating: “I was mortified. He humiliated me in a very personal way in front of the whole crew. It was offensive. He was in his late 50s, being so inappropriate, and I felt belittled.” She expressed her disappointment, as she had been looking forward to meeting him, but his behavior “ruined the whole experience.”
Despite her discomfort, the woman recalled laughing along awkwardly during the incident, as she did not want to challenge Nick in front of others or disrupt the charitable work being done for a young girl. She also shared that during filming, Nick saw her engagement ring and allegedly tried to dissuade her from getting married, citing his own negative experiences with marriage.
The woman, who has remained anonymous, was prompted to speak out after seeing Nick performing with Luba Mushtuk on Strictly Come Dancing, explaining that he is a “different person off-air” compared to his public persona. She further claimed that he took a photo with her during filming and continued to make inappropriate remarks.
Representatives for both Nick Knowles and the BBC have been contacted for comment on the matter. Meanwhile, Knowles is set to marry his fiancée, Katie Dadzie, despite their 30-year age difference. He proposed in August 2023, and Katie was recently seen shopping for her wedding dress, indicating that their big day may be approaching soon.
