Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left scratching their heads after two contestants failed to show up to the final.
After three months of famous faces being put through their paces by their professional dance partners on the long-running BBC series, the 2024 final saw comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell lift the Glitterball Trophy.
It was a history-making night all around, with previously eliminated contestants also returning for the occasion.
However, many couldn’t help but notice two notable names were missing- DIY SOS host Nick Knowles, 62, and former footballer and broadcaster Paul Merson, 56.
A few hours before the last show Nick, who was eliminated from the series shortly after suffering two separate injuries, revealed he’d have to sit out attending.
Posting a photo showing him in a hospital bed with his left leg in a brace, Nick shared on social media: ‘Sadly I won’t be taking part in the BBC Strictly final tonight as I’ve only just had a major knee operation but I’ll be watching & cheering on my buddies going for the title who all deserve to be champions. Thank you for your get well soon messages ❤️. Merry Xmas to you all.’
The presenter was met with a string of supportive messages, with many wishing him a ‘speedy recovery’.
However, during a group performance on the episode, viewers realised Paul wasn’t there either.
The realisation came when some of the professional dancers held up cardboard cut out of their faces to recognise the pair as part of this year’s line-up.
‘Not the pictures of Paul and Nick HAHAHA,’ Eva posted on X, seeing the funny side of the unusual way they were still included.
‘Not the big ass face cutouts for Nick and Paul,’ Lauren wrote amusingly.
Many others simply asked others, questioning: ‘Where is Paul?’
Although he didn’t comment directly on his absence, it was reported today Paul had to pull out last minute after falling ill.
‘Paul is unwell today unfortunately. He will be very much missed and is sad he couldn’t make it,’ a Strictly spokesperson told The Sun.
The ex-Arsenal star and his pro partner were the fourth pair voted off the show after facing JLS star JB Gill in a dance-off.
Speaking about his time on the show, Paul said after being eliminated: ‘It’s been really good. For anybody I talk to, I would say you’ve got to go on this show.
‘It’s been amazing, honestly, amazing. I loved every minute of it, I’ve had a great teacher.’
He then went on to share his enthusiasm at the fact he could ‘half dance now’.
Strictly Come Dancing is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
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