Strictly LIVE updates: Nick Knowles fears for BBC bosses after he QUITS tonight's show

Strictly Come Dancing is returning this weekend - but much drama is already engulfing the show after a controversial elimination and a feud involving two of its former stars

Strictly Come Dancing's Movie Week is off to a dramatic start before the live show has got underway with Nick Knowles' pulling out of his performance.

The DIY SOS star has injured himself in training and is no longer able to compete with his fellow stars - with the BBC presenter admitting he was "very, very sad" after being forced to sit this weekend out.

The incident happened as 62-year-old Nick practised a daring jump with his partner Luba Mushtuk in training. He is now said to be walking with crutches with bosses having no choice but to rule him out of Saturday's special.

The drama is the latest to hit the BBC show in days following the result of the long-awaiting Giovanni Pernice probe on Monday.

The BBC's nine month-long Strictly report into Amanda Abbington's allegations were finally released this week. Giovanni was cleared of 'physical aggression' - but was found to have 'verbally bullied and harassed' Amanda. Both went onto release statements confirming that they were happy with the outcome, yet Amanda's bombshell interview with BBC's Newsnight sparked fury from Giovanni.

08:53Rose Hill

Strictly bosses' Nick Knowles fears

BBC bosses are deeply concerned that Nick Knowles won't be returning to the show at all.

A source told the Mirror that it "doesn't look great" and the fact that he is getting scans "shows just how serious" this is, adding that there is a "real possibility" he won't dance next week. This would mean that he would be automatically axed from the competition due to the bye rules.

Nick had only just recovered from a shoulder injury in time to dance last week, and will now have an MRI scan after hurting his knee in rehearsals.

The insider said: “The fact he is getting scans shows just how serious this is. There is only so much time they can give him to recover. Nick is a popular guy and losing him so early in the competition would be a blow to the show’s ratings too. It doesn’t look great at the moment so everyone is just hoping the outlook is better after the weekend.”

Read more here.

07:55Rose Hill

Fans fear Nick Knowles will quit show entirely after TWO injuries in two weeks

Nick Knowles won't be returning to Strictly Come Dancing tonight following an injury - but fans have been left fearing the worst and that he may completely leave the show.

One commented: "I feel so bad for Nick. It's a good thing he didn't decide not to dance because of his arm last week or his competition would be over. I hope he'll be fine for next week."

While another wrote: "Oh no. He's very unlucky, 2 injuries in as many weeks. Can someone please wrap him in bubble-wrap."

A third pleaded: "Please get well soon! please don’t leave Nick!!."

22:30Susan Knox

Strictly It Takes Two signs huge TikTok star as BBC show's backstage reporter

The BBC has signed TikTok star Niall Gray on Strictly Come Dancing's spin of show It Takes Two.

Niall Gray, 28, who has garnered a legion of fans on the social media platform, will be giving viewers an insight into behind the scenes gossip of the BBC show His coverage of backstage of Strictly will be aired during weeknights. Speaking about landing the role, Niall said: "I’m really excited to be the backstage reporter for It Takes Two! Getting up close with all the behind the scenes action - it’s going to be great fun. As a Strictly fan I cannot wait to bring all the backstage gossip to the viewers!"

Niall's access to all areas of the show appears to know no bounds as he is also able to peek in at the celebrities during the training sessions. Elsewhere on the show, Nick Knowles finally broke his silence after he was forced to bow out from the BBC show, this weekend.

The DIY SOS host had been a favourite of this series but suffered an injury at the beginning of the series, which marks 20 years. The star had injured his shoulder while fixing a car tyre after the initial episodes. And while he was given the all clear by medics ahead of the second show, it seemed the gruelling training regime set his recovery back - and so he bowed out of the show this weekend.

19:50Susan Knox

BBC Strictly's Nick Knowles sheds two stone in four weeks as he makes devastating announcement

Nick Knowles opened up about his gruelling Strictly Come Dancing training, admitting it's "tougher than rugby".

The 62-year-old TV star, who is having to sit out of this week's proceedings due to injury, is hoping to still be vying for the coveted glitterball trophy in this year's BBC contest. Opening up on rehearsals with partner Luba Mushtuk prior to his injury, he said it has been a surprisingly tough challenge, even compared to his experiences on the rugby pitch.

Nick didn't mince words about the gruelling nature of his 'Strictly' prep, recently saying simply: "This is much tougher than rugby training."

Having dropped over two stone since he started his Strictly stint last month, Nick is feeling the change, telling The Times: "I can feel myself transforming from a very heavy bloke lumbering around the room to somebody who is becoming lighter and more elegant on his feet."

Despite a recent arm injury caused by an unfortunate tyre changing incident, Nick managed to dodge the dreaded early exit from the show, sharing his surprise at how relieved he felt: "It was a big relief, much more than I expected. He also confessed to two unexpected realisations since joining 'Strictly': how invested he is in perfecting his dance routines, and his determination not to disappoint his family, friends, and dance partner.

19:07Susan Knox

Strictly Nick Knowles says 'unfortunately' in first appearance since quitting live show

Strictly Come Dancing star Nick Knowles has broken his silence after sustaining another injury.

The 62-year-old was due to strut his stuff on the famous dancefloor for movie week with his dance partner Luba Mushtuk. However the pair will now be missing this week's show but will hopefully perform for fans the following weekend.

Sharing an exclusive video message on Strictly's It Takes Two, hosted by Janette Manara, Nick and Luba appeared solemn but optimistic. Speaking to the camera, Nick said: "So during out first dress rehearsal today, our run-through of the dance number on the stage, unfortunately, I damaged my knee. So the physios have decided I need to go for a MRI (scan)."

His professional partner, Luba Mushtuk added: "Unfortunately we will not be dancing tomorrow but we really, really hope that the knee will be better for next week and we’ll be back on the dancefloor. Fingers crossed, we really hope that we’ll be back and see you guys very soon."

19:06Susan Knox

Nick Knowles confirms future on Strictly in new update after pulling out of show

Nick Knowles is on crutches with a second "painful" Strictly injury - and could be out of the competition despite vowing to dance on crutches if he has to.

The DIY SOS star, 61, said he was "gutted" to pull out of this weekend's show with a knee injury. It comes just a week after he was only just passed fit to take part because of shoulder problems.

Speaking on BBC TV show It Takes Two, Nick said: "During our rehearsal today… Unfortunately I damaged my knee and it’s quite painful. So the physios have decided I need to go for a MRI (scan)."

His professional partner, Luba Mushtuk added: "Unfortunately we will not be dancing tomorrow but we really, really hope that the knee will be better for next week and we’ll be back on the dancefloor. Fingers crossed, we really hope that we’ll be back and see you guys very soon."

Trying to put a brave face on things, Nick added: "Even if we have to glitter up the crutches, I am determined to get back and try and dance for you next week."

The TV star previously revealed he had sustained an arm and shoulder injury, but received medical clearance to perform on the show last weekend. However, this week he was not so lucky after falling on his knee.

17:18Zoe Delaney

Nick Knowles' past health battles as he pulls out of Strictly

Nick Knowles' string of health misfortunes started back in 2014 when an innocuous sneeze led to a ruptured artery in his sinus.

Attributing the incident to high stress levels at the time, Knowles shared: "I was on the way to doing to myself what my father had done to himself. So I went to a retreat in Thailand. I took up yoga, became vegan, and they've worked well for me."

Hes not been shy of danger either, with several injuries resulting from risky TV stunts. Speaking with The Sun, the TV star recounted escaping death in a gyrocopter crash over Mount Etna while filming Amazing Railway Adventures and said: "Seventeen, eighteen years ago I fell out of a truck in Africa and had to be airlifted out."

He also mentioned: "Swimming in the arctic circle, jumping in the ice - I love all that stuff, it makes you feel alive." Nevertheless, such a thrill-seeking lifestyle has come at a cost for Nick: "My shoulders, neck, back, knees, everything is knackered because of accidents over the years," he admits, considering these scars as "a badge of honour".

Like so many, he's struggled to bounce back after a severe case of Covid. Chest pains, fatigue, and shortness of breath have persisted long since he contracted the virus early in the pandemic. "I was literally wiped out," he disclosed.

"I had just no energy and felt like I was operating on about 50 to 60 percent of my normal amount of energy and getting out of breath easily. I had about a year where I was heavily overweight but I had to be gentle with myself when I had the long Covid because it's a viral thing and you can't just fight against it."

He kept his symptoms under wraps for 10 months, fearing it might affect his career: "I didn't want to tell anyone because I thought I wouldn't get a booking for work," he confessed. "I kept it to myself."

16:30Zoe Delaney

Nick Knowles breaks his silence

Nick Knowles has spoken out following his second nightmare injury forcing him to pull out of this weekend's live show.

Sharing the official statement from Strictly on Twitter (X), Nick told his followers: "I’m absolutely gutted and feeling very very sad."

16:17Zoe Delaney

'Please wrap Nick in bubble-wrap'

The official Instagram account for Strictly Come Dancing has now broken the news to fans on social media, with many rushing to send Nick their love and support.

"Oh no. He's very unlucky, 2 injuries in as many weeks. Can someone please wrap him in bubble-wrap," one devestated viewer penned underneath the announcement, with another adding: "Noooo. Poor nick. Sending nick snd Luba lots of love." Motsi Mabuse wrote "get well soon" as one fan argued: "Surely then no one should go home as it’s unfair that someone goes home this week when someone gets a free pass due to injury as this happens most years."

16:01Lucy Needham

Nick Knowles says being given 'free pass' is CHEATING

Following the news Nick Knowles and Luba have been given a free pass into next week's show following their sad injury news, comments have emerged from the star sharing his annoyance at celebs who were given a free pathway to the next round.

Speaking about his first injury since the show started - which he was able to recover from - Nick said: "We were offered the chance of a bye but I felt like that would be cheating and we really should try and go for it.

"I spoke to the physios and once that was decided, you just throw yourself into it. The harder you work, the more confidence you gain."

15:57Lucy Needham

Nick Knowles health update

After Nick was forced to pull out of this week's show, sources close to the DIY SOS star say is now having scans to make sure his injury is not more serious.

The 62-year-old is desparately hoping damage sustained from the fall is something he can recover from. "It's a real blow and he's incredibly upset," revealed an show insider as Nick awaits his results.

15:51Lucy Needham

BBC speak out over injured Nick

A BBC spokesperson said: ""Unfortunately, Nick Knowles sustained an injury during rehearsals and as a result, will not dance this weekend.

"As per the rules of the competition, Nick and Luba will receive a bye through to next week when he is hopefully able to dance again. Everyone at Strictly Come Dancing wishes Nick a speedy recovery."

15:44Lucy Needham

Nick Knowles has QUIT Strictly live show

Nick Knowles has been forced to pull out of Saturday's Movie Week special.

The accident prone DIY SOS star has fallen over and hurt his knee - meaning he has not passed the fit check to dance this weekend.

It's the second time Nick has injured himself since the show started, having previously hurt his arm and shoulder while changing a car tyre before the first elimination.

Nick is said to have hurt himself practicing a jump with Luba Mushtuk. The BBC star landed awkwardly and injured his knee.

BBC bosses were left with no choice but to give him a free pass into next week's show after he's been left walking on crutches.

15:33Zoe Delaney

Buy Chris McCausland tickets for UK tour after Strictly Come Dancing stint

Chris McCausland has been impressing viewers on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing with partner Dianne Buswell over the past few weeks - but his dancing days won't last forever.

Once the show wraps up at the end of the year, Chris will return to his day job: Being a stand-up comedian. What's more thrilling for the star is that he already has an extensive UK tour planned.

Kicking off from January 17, he'll be performing almost daily until summer 2025. During this period, he'll visit nearly every major city in the country, including London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham and more.

And, given his growing popularity with each week on Strictly Come Dancing, the remaining tickets for his tour are expected to sell out quickly. As such, it's recommended to secure tickets to his shows as soon as possible. This might even involve browsing some resale websites to ensure you don't miss out. Here's everything you need to know on how to get your hands on tickets.

14:51Zoe Delaney

Strictly's Chris McCausland's partner Dianne in hysterics as she's blindfolded

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left reaching for the tissues as Chris McCausland sprung yet another blindfold surprise on his dance comrade Dianne Buswell.

The fan favourites, who've charmed the audience with their adorable camaraderie and rib-tickling banter during rehearsals, had already made waves with a blindfold challenge previously shared just before their next twirl on the BBC One hit show. Answering the clamour from viewers, the visually-impaired comedian and his Aussie partner Dianne obliged by posting another hilarious video this time with Dianne navigating tasks while blindfolded sending her followers into fits of laughter.

Dianne owned up to the challenge in her video post: "Another blindfolded challenge ! ! ! ! Sorry it's so long I was not good at this," The footage features Chris directing Dianne to locate a concealed water bottle with his jumper knotted over her eyes. "I'd like you to collect that bottle, take it behind the bar and fill it with water," he says.

As the jokester spins Dianne around to commence the task, she soon hits a snag and enquires whether she's nearing the bottle, to which Chris humorously admits, "I don't know where we are either," triggering gales of giggles between them. Distracted by the disconcerting task, Dianne admits, "It's so scary though! " and proceeds to edge cautiously about the room.

"Why are you walking like that? " Chris quips amid the hilarity, prompting further laughter by jesting, "You're walking like you've s**t your pants!" Chris couldn't contain his laughter as Dianne fumbled around, mistaking the training room door for a bar, and accidentally locking herself out in the corridor. The scene caused uproar as the pair ended up in a fit of giggles, with Dianne even wondering aloud if they were "in the toilet".

She called for help to find her way back as the situation escalated into comedy gold. Dianne's voice rose in bewilderment, shouting out to camerawoman Charlotte, who was overwhelmed with mirth watching the pair's escapade behind the door. "I'm so lost," declared Dianne, while Chris cheekily prevented any rescue from Charlotte.

Ultimately, the blindfolded dance star triumphantly located the bar, letting out a shriek of delight upon completing the blindfold challenge. Fans showered love on the clip on Dianne's Instagram, leaving the comments flooded with praise and laughter.

13:54Zoe Delaney

Strictly's Gorka Marquez leaves It Takes Two viewers concerned with behaviour

Gorka Marquez raised eyebrows with his peculiar antics during an 'inappropriate' appearance on It Takes Two. The pro dancer, who is partnered with Dr Punam Krishan on the show, joined her on It Takes Two on Thursday night to discuss their dance journey.

The pair chatted with host Janette Manrara about topics such as Gorka's trending 'tight' black trousers from Saturday night and their upcoming Bollywood number. However, viewers were distracted by Gorka's 'animated' behaviour, particularly when he decided to munch on a biscuit mid-conversation.

He also spontaneously got up and danced around the table, interrupting Dr Punam in the process. Social media users commented on his lively demeanour, with one writing: "Gorka is very 'lively' this evening."

12:31Zoe Delaney

Judge defends controversial Tom Dean axe

Craig Revel Horwood stands by his choice to eliminate Strictly star Tom Dean following allegations of a fix on the BBC programme.

The season's first dance off saw 24 year old Tom pitted against pop sensation Toyah Wilcox, 66, with the Olympic champion the one to get the boot from the judges

Craig and Motsi Mabuse both chose to save Toyah, while Anton Du Beke favoured keeping Tom. Head judge Shirley Ballas held the deciding vote, and she too opted to save Toyah. She justified her decision by agreeing with the other judges that his timing was off and his footwork was not in sync.

Earlier today, Craig was questioned about their decision on ITV's Lorraine show, where he admitted: "I didn't want him to leave either. I know the next question on everyone's lips is why did I choose Toyah over Tom?' The reason was musicality. I have to choose not from my favourite but from a dance perspective. Of course I didn't want to see Tom go I thought he had a shining future."

11:40Zoe Delaney

Tess Daly to ditch high heels following on-air stumble

Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly has vowed to ditch her high heels after a close call on live television. The 55 year old revealed that she nearly took a tumble during last week's show while rushing to congratulate a couple on their performance.

In an interview with 98FM, she explained: "There are lots of camera cables everywhere and I'm running across at speed to greet a couple after their dance. I'm trying to avoid the audience and their legs and tripping over cable cords. Last week, I swear, I righted myself in time just before I hit the floor. I don't think there's a contingency if I go down. I'm a bit like, 'Can I have slightly lower heels now? Four inches isn't going to cut it! '"

10:53Zoe Delaney

Strictly's 'cursed' dance may lead to Pete Wicks and Jowita's exit this weekend

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal might be facing an early exit due to their dance assignment. The ex-Towie star and his professional dancer have made it through to Movie Week, but now they've been tasked with performing a Samba to the George Of The Jungle Theme tune.

Unfortunately for them, research shows that this style doesn't have the best track record. Some might even say the Samba is cursed, and it's not even Halloween week yet.

It has previously ended the journeys of footballer Alex Scott, politician Jacqui Smith and actor Greg Wise. Over the six series, it has been responsible for the most celebrity exits. A staggering 22% of all eliminated contestants have been dancing the Samba.

10:09Zoe Delaney

Craig Revel Horwood says 'weight has been lifted' as he breaks silence on probe

Craig Revel Horwood expressed his relief after the BBC Strictly Come Dancing investigation concluded, telling ITV's Lorraine on Friday: "a weight's been lifted".

The judge, joining host Christine Lampard on the show, spoke out following the investigation into former pro dancer Giovanni Pernice's alleged misconduct - a probe prompted by Amanda Abbington's claims of verbal bullying and harassment, which were recently vindicated.

Abbington, known for her role in Sherlock, was Pernice's partner during the 2023 season of Strictly but exited the competition prematurely. She later voiced her experience of being poorly treated off-camera. The extensive inquiry cleared 34 year old Pernice, who departed from Strictly earlier this year, of any physical aggression towards Abbington.

Chatting with Christine, Craig remarked on the shifted mood within the Strictly team post-investigation, stating: "It's like a weight has been lifted off our shoulder because it was always hanging in the air so I was just so pleased that this investigation is over because now we can move on and really celebrate our 20 years on the screen because it is a wonderful, wonderful show and it's just awful when something like this comes along."

10:04Lucy Needham

Strictly star dealt major blow hours before Movie Week

Toyax Willcox is the odds-on favourite at 10-11 to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

She tops the betting ahead of Paul Merson, who is 7-2, while Nick Knowles is 4-1 to be the second contestant to depart, according to bookmakers Coral.

In the outright market for the show, Chris McCausland is now as short as 11-10 to lift the Glitterball Trophy, with Tasha Ghouri next best at 3-1.

“Toyax Willcox is odds-on to depart Strictly this weekend as the second contestant to go. Punters are convinced she will lose the latest dance-off on the show," said Coral's John Hill.

"In the outright market for the trophy, the support continues to come in for Chris McCausland. He is the shortest price any contestant has been in the betting this early in the competition," added Hill.

It comes after a difficult week for Toyah who has faced huge backlash after she was saved over Olympian Tom Dean.

08:55Lucy Needham

Strictly star targeted by online scammers

Dr Punam Krishan has revealed she's been the victim of online scammers.

She said: "Barely a day goes by before I receive a message from a follower on social media informing me of a fake account using my images to spam them."

She then said sinister scammers share 'deepfakes' online and steal pictures from her social media account, which sometimes include members of her family, to spread misinformation online. She said: 'It is distressing to hear from followers who have received messages from fake accounts pretending to be me."

"I worry about the implications of this a lot. I immediately block and report these accounts, and I also advise my followers to do the same, but I still feel anxious about how far and wide they have travelled." She continued: "What if someone has fallen for it, has transferred money or worse – taken the ill-informed advice and become unwell as a result?"

08:00Lucy Needham

Strictly history to be made

This Movie Week will be extra special for Strictly Come Dancing with history made with one dance.

Dr Punam Krishan will deliver a Bollywood performance with her partner Gorka Marquez for the first time in Strictly Come Dancing history as part of Movie Week. The pair will dance to the tune of 'Bole Chudiyan', from the movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Dr Punam described as "the Love Actually of Bollywood".

Sharing what the representation means to her, Dr Punam said: "When I was growing up I never imagined seeing Bollywood on 'normal' telly, as I call it.

The TV doctor said her kids were 'proud' that she was bringing a piece of Hollywood to the BBC this Saturday night as she acknowledged the impact for "South Asians or any child that wants to see something a bit different, but also feel included".

"Representation matters, so for me this is a huge moment," she concluded. "I can't wait, I know my granny in India is just so excited. It'll be really special."

18:30Zoe Delaney

Giovanni Pernice 'tells friends he has unfinished business' with Strictly

Giovanni Pernice is reportedly telling friends he's eyeing a comeback to Strictly Come Dancing next year despite the recent BBC report, insiders claim.

The much-anticipated BBC investigation exonerated the dancer from allegations of violence but did issue an apology to Amanda Abbington after confirming several of her bullying accusations. Following these events, it's believed that Amanda might pursue legal action for how she was treated.

However, sources close to Giovanni suggest he hasn't lost hope of making a return to the UK dance floor next year, even though he's committed to the Italian version of the show, Ballando Con Le Stelle, for one season. The 34 year old dancer reportedly feels he has "unfinished business" with the British series.

A confidant revealed: "Giovanni has not given up on appearing on the Strictly stage. As far as he is concerned, he has been cleared and there is no reason why he couldn't return. He has told his pals he is hoping to be back next year and is keen to speak to the BBC about it. He still feels very much part of the fold, and has a massive fan base who would no doubt welcome him back. But of course the final decision will be made by BBC bosses."

When approached last night, Giovanni's spokesperson chose not to comment.

17:47Zoe Delaney

Strictly Come Dancing legend teases return to show and tips winner

Strictly Come Dancing legend Vincent Simone has hinted at a comeback to the show this season, while also rooting for Chris to take home the trophy. In a chat with 10bet, he expressed his admiration for Chris, stating: "I absolutely love Chris McCausland and Diane Buswell."

"Chris is so funny, and you can see that he brings that comedic edge to the show. I also love the fact that he looks so relaxed, and you can tell that he is clearly having a blast learning the different routines and techniques. The man has got skill.["

Vincent continued: "]Dancing is hard enough when you're doing it with all five senses, so for Chris to put in the performances that we've seen from him so far is simply magnificent."

"I was standing up and clapping the TV when I've seen him - every time he dances, he gets a standing ovation from me. It's such a joy to watch him. The biggest compliment I could pay him as a dancer is that I wouldn't know about his disability from watching his performances on the show so far."

"I think the man is just spectacular. He's so entertaining and he's so funny - what you see is what you get with him. I hope he can keep it up and get to the final, because I really think he has a good chance of winning the competition. He's my tip to win. The man can dance! ".

17:06Zoe Delaney

Amanda Abbington taking 'daily guidance from lawyers'

The BBC probe into Giovanni's training methods on Strictly Come Dancing is over but it seems the saga could still rumble on for a bit longer yet.

Speaking during her bombshell interview last night, Amanda told Newsnight host Victoria Derbyshire she was "taking guidance from my lawyer on a day to day basis" when asked how she will proceed now the report's findings have been released.

She added: "There’s a 30-page report that me and my lawyers are still digesting. There are still things in there that are unresolved."

16:33Rose Hill

Giovanni Pernice returns to Italian Strictly training after BBC probe results

Giovanni Pernice returned to training with his partner on Italy's version of Strictly, Ballando con le Stelle, following the results of the BBC probe into Amanda Abbington's allegations against me.

Six of the 17 complaints made against the professional dancer were upheld that related to verbal bullying and harassment. The most serious allegations regarding physical aggression were not upheld.

Appearing with his partner Bianca Guaccero, Giovanni was seen strutting down red carpeted steps before he said: "So we are almost ready for the second episode of Ballando con le Stelle. It's the second week and the first one was very, very good but we're getting ready for [the next one]."

In her post in Italian, Bianca wrote: "Everything is under control for the second episode of @ballandoconlestelle. See you this Saturday 5 October, in prime time, on @rai1official. Ready to support us again?"

15:36Rose Hill

Shirley Ballas' cryptic post about those who 'betrayed' her

Strictly judge Shirley Ballas shared a cryptic post on her Instagram account on Thursday referring to a "problem" and those who have "betrayed" her and "made her cry".

A TikTok video shared on her stories says: "The problem is what people say about me doesn't affect me. I'm the only one who knows my journey - only I know what I've been through. We're here to be happy, not to please everyone. Beside those I love and who love me, the opinions of others don't matter to me. I have too much to do to waste time hating those who hate me or who have betrayed me. People will always talk, believe what they want, think what they want.

"But frankly I don't care. I've helped people who then betrayed me, wipe the tears of those who made me cry and supported those who tried to bring me down. Now I no longer waste my time arguing or getting angry with those who poison my life. I simply walk away. For me, true wealth is expecting nothing from others. True freedom is owing nothing to anyone."
15:14Rose Hill

Nick Knowles' fiancee suffered horrific racist abuse for dating him

Nick Knowles has spoken out about the nasty abuse his fiancee has suffered for dating him.

The BBC star revealed that partner Katie Dadzie had been called a "gold digger" and branded the comments "properly vile".

"It's really unpleasant and unfair,” he explained. "Katie's a mum of two, she's super-intelligent, capable, within just eight months her lingerie brand was stocked by Next. But you just get people being properly vile. So you understand when she goes, 'I don't know if I want to be around this.’”

Saying that he didn’t try to talk her around when she had doubts, Knowles admits he is a lot to take on. "People think dating me will be fun, but then I'm away for months on end,” he told The Times. “Or you ask them to go to a premiere; people think it will be amazing, they get their hair done, then suddenly they're standing in front of 40 photographers on a red carpet and it's terrifying. It's not a glamorous experience at all. It's really horrible and intense.”

He was thrilled when she accepted his marriage proposal last year. “In the end we love each other very much,” he claimed. ”You have to be brave. You can't let previous difficulties stop you falling in love, because you close yourself off to the possibility of being happy.”

Read more here.

14:54Rose Hill

Amanda Abbington's inner circle during her 'year from hell'

Actress Amanda Abbington has spoken about her "year from hell" after issuing a complaint about pro dancer Giovanni Pernice - but she's had the support of her loved ones backing her from behind the scenes.

Among them include fiance Jonathan Goodwin, 44, and her children Joe and Grace. Her partner Jonathan issued a cryptic dig in May soon after it was announced that Giovanni would not be returning to Strictly, writing on social media: "We don't control what happens to us… but we do control how we feel about it…. Every single moment that we live adds depth and weight to our identity.

"The good… and the bad… it is literally impossible to become an adult and not experience at least a few terrible circumstances… the real test of character is how we react to them."

Her ex Martin Freeman is also said to have been supporting Amanda behind the scenes and is believed to have been "worried and concerned" after he what she had been through. Giovanni's past partners Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore have also thrown their support behind Amanda, sharing their happiness that the BBC had apologised to the actress following the release of the report.