Nick Knowles still in the dark over future on Strictly after suffering painful arm injury

NICK Knowles is still in the dark as to whether he can perform on Strictly this weekend.

The DIY SOS host is waiting on the BBC, which is unsure about giving the OK over fears he could aggravate an arm and shoulder injury sustained changing a tyre.

Nick, 62, believes he will be fine to do the American smooth with pro partner Luba Mushtuk.

A source said: “Nick is desperate to carry on and is insisting he is fine to perform but the BBC are naturally wary.

“If Nick continues and does more damage to himself in the long run it puts them in a tricky position. His health comes first but Nick is pleading with them to continue.”

Yesterday Nick spent hours in a rehearsal studio with Luba to try to prove he could still perform — despite being in a sling.

Insiders say he will have little time to practise if he is cleared.

A source added: “Nick needs to learn a whole routine, he has barely any time at all.

"If he is cleared he will need to learn quickly. Luba is an amazing teacher and she is confident they can do it. But, ultimately, it might get to a point that the BBC just put their foot down.”

The Sun revealed on Monday that Nick injured himself changing a tyre the day after his first live performance with Luba.

The dad of two has been wearing a sling after an emergency MRI scan.

He appeared with Luba, 34, on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Monday evening.

The next day Nick updated fans on his chances of dancing to Blur’s Parklife on Saturday.

He said: “I’m going to rehearsals with Luba and the physio to see just what my arm can do.

“Then the medics will make a call on if they think I can continue dancing. I am still really hopeful that I’ll be able to dance this weekend. So fingers crossed.”