Strictly Come Dancing's Nick Knowles dealt crushing blow just hours before the first live show

Nick Knowles has been forced to pull out of the Strictly Come Dancing launch show and the first live show after testing positive for Covid-19.

The DIY SOS presenter, 59, said he was "absolutely devastated" to miss the first live show. Knowles said he had been "so excited" to start the show and was "so gutted" to have to pull out at the last minute. He said: "I have been so excited to start the show and gutted that I will have to sit out the launch show and first live show next weekend."

The TV star said he was feeling "okay" but was "determined to get back on the dancefloor as soon as I am able."

He added: "I'm sending all my love and support to the other contestants and the Strictly team. I'll be cheering them on from home and I hope to be back soon." A Strictly Come Dancing spokesperson said: "We are very sorry to announce that Nick Knowles has tested positive for Covid-19. "Nick is now self-isolating and following the latest government guidelines. "As a result, Nick has had to withdraw from the launch show and the first live show." The spokesperson added: "We wish Nick a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back on the show as soon as possible." Knowles is the first celebrity to be forced to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing this year due to Covid-19. The news comes after it was revealed that two professional dancers, Janette Manrara and Aljaž Škorjanec, had also tested positive for Covid-19. However, both Manrara and Škorjanec are expected to return to the show for the launch show.