Nick Knowles is ready to show his softer side on Strictly Come Dancing

As I delve into this captivating narrative, I find myself captivated by Nick Knowles – a man of many talents, yet to explore the world of dance. His life story is a fascinating tapestry woven with threads of tradition, passion, and resilience.


Do-It-Yourself (DIY): Nick Knowles, famous for his work in home improvements on shows like SOS, is stepping away from that realm and diving into the Strictly competition instead. Interestingly enough, this move seems to signify him joining the family business, although it’s not a traditional sense.

Will professional dancer Luba Mushtuk discover an undiscovered talent within her family, or is there a member who deviates from the show business norm?

Nick, you’re obviously more used to hammering boards than treading the boards…

Nick: Very good. Did you work on that one overnight?

I did…but seriously, what’s your experience of dance?

In my younger days, any time I’d hear tunes playing, I’d automatically start dancing. As you grow older during your teenage years, you’re often told that dancing to music seems a bit awkward, and many people stop doing it. Interestingly, I have three sisters who are all skilled dancers.

They instructed me on pliés and half-pliés, and I followed along until I was around seven or eight years old. As part of a very traditional family, my father declared, “Now you’re going to play rugby.” However, ballet has always been the spectacle I’ve chosen to watch in life. I have a deep affection for the Northern Ballet. When I was young, I witnessed Margot Fonteyn dance with Rudolf Nureyev. My niece is currently starring in a Broadway musical, and my brother composes them. I’m the one who drifted away from it – I yearn to rediscover that passion.

Dance has been scientifically shown to boost happiness levels, as it triggers the release of endorphins within your brain.

Do you hope viewers see you in a different way?

Nick: It’s common knowledge that I ride a motorcycle and play rugby. Often, men approach me for drinks. DIY SOS can be full of guys teasing, but they have a tender side too. I hope people will observe me and consider joining a dance class. Dance is an incredible activity that fosters connections.

You met each other before on the DIY SOS Strictly Special. How was that?

I: For the show, we danced a small routine, and I believed Nick would excel in Strictly Come Dancing. He truly pushed me to my limits, but I enjoyed every moment of it.

Nick: I’m paying for that now!

How is Nick doing, Luba?

He’s quite capable, but he tends to be hard on himself. I usually create the dance routines for others. It’s like a custom-made Tom Ford suit in black silk – elegant steps, if you will. I strive to determine what looks or feels best.

As a passionate film enthusiast, when I dive into something, I give it my all and can sometimes get quite focused. My partner Luba often reminds me to lighten up, take deep breaths, and let go of the reins since she’s steering the course. What makes Luba extraordinary is her knack for guiding me, making it seem like I’m the one in charge!

Embracing novel experiences is exhilarating, but it requires courage to step beyond your comfort zone, even if failure may be the result. It’s through these stumbles that we truly grow, as success often leaves us complacent. I am not deterred by the prospect of falling in front of others; what truly matters is my ability to rise again and try anew.

What are you hoping to get out of the experience?

Nick: I’d like to learn to dance…

Luba: Win it!

Nick: Absolutely, I’d love to take the victory. Yet, many act like they couldn’t care less. Frankly, I doubt I’ll emerge victorious, but if I were to approach it casually, I’d regret it deeply.

How are you enjoying being Strictly-fied?

Nick Knowles: Actually, that’s a shock – the whole hair and makeup and glitter and spray tan.

Luba Mushtuk: Is this your first-ever spray tan?

Nick Knowles: My first-ever spray tan. My first ever pink shirt, I think. My first ever sequin.

Luba Mushtuk: I think you should keep it.

Nick Knowles: A typical Wednesday night in London for me… Well, there’s plenty to adapt to, an onslaught of newness to be precise! But this journey is a fantastic, thrilling, and terrifying rollercoaster ride, all at once. It’s been quite some time since I felt genuinely scared about something.

Are there any dances you’re particularly nervous about?

Nick: I’m slightly terrified of fast ones, like the jive.

Alternate Phrase: You’ll excel marvelously, surprising everyone with a burst of energy instead of the anticipated gracefulness, as if to say, “Surprise! I jive!

Nick: It seems like Luba always has a sunny outlook on this matter. How is she going to manage getting someone as large as me dancing around without appearing like the Honey Monster? Yet, Luba insists she can do it; it just feels quite distant at the moment… I stand at 6’2″, have a chest measurement of 15 inches, and weigh approximately 17.5 stones.

Luba: You’re going to lose it.

Nick: I’ve already lost 11 kilos!

A condensed version of this interview appears in the latest issue of TopMob

Strictly Come Dancing continues at 7pm this Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.

Have you heard? You can now request past editions of the TopMob magazine through our recently launched back issues service!

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2024-09-21 10:34