Nick Knowles in tears over DIY SOS Strictly star's emotional tribute

30 August 2023 , 15:33

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Nick Knowles in tears over DIY SOS Strictly star's emotional tribute

DIY SOS Nick Knowles and Strictly star Katya Jones were moved to tears by an emotional tribute from a guest to her late father.

The Strictly stars including Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuck and Graziano Di Prima have joined forces with Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS team to transform a performing arts school in North Tyneside in a special episode titled 'DIY SOS The Big Build – Strictly Special'.

The school, supported by charity True Colours, is in desperate need of repair to support children and young adults of all abilities as they embrace their passion for dance. One keen dancer is 20-year-old Charis who has Down syndrome. The episode explains how Charis' dad Bruce died just weeks before filming, and she has turned to dance to help her through her grief.

The DIY SOS team transform and renovate a performing arts school in the Strictly special (BBC Studios)

In the episode, viewers see Charis perform a contemporary solo which she explains she is dedicating her solo to her "handsome" and "charismatic" father.

Set to the song Stand By Me by Ben E King, Charis performs the emotional tribute as she dances with pictures of herself with her father and mother appearing behind her on stage. The end of the performance sees a sweet message projected onto the stage which reads: "I love and miss you forever Dad. Love Charis x".

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The heartwarming tribute catches all of the DIY SOS and Strictly team off guard, with Katya seen wiping tears off her face and Nick Knowles looking close to crying. Commenting on the moving routine, Nick said: "Not a dry eye in the house".

Katya adds: "To see on stage her looking beautiful in the dress and totally telling the story, I was just so proud. It was a wonderful demonstration of why they deserve this so much. It’s going to change their lives 100%."

Strictly dancer Katya is left emotional at 20-year-old Charis' emotional performance (BBC Studios)

The episode sees the DIY SOS team perform their usual transformation magic as they completely overhaul the performing arts school in six days. They create spaces for the children and family to relax in as well as sensory areas and a stunning garden featuring outdoor seating and a glittery path. They also renovate the sports hall which has not been touched for years, and needs to be able to hold 200 members of the charity. Adding a final Strictly touch, the sports hall is completed with a glittering disco ball from the professional dancers.

Speaking about the special episode, presenter Nick said: "The show is, as usual, about the community coming together in the Newcastle area to build a much needed facility for an all-inclusive theatre school. Many of the children, young adults and their parents felt unable to attend more mainstream schools because of their complex needs so could not follow their dreams. This build means the wonderful work the team do in that part of the UK will be available to many more to make their dreams come true."

He added: "The students loved having the dancers around and working with them and they were lovely and humble and really engaged with what was going on. Very encouraging and a real treat to work with them for sure."

DIY SOS Strictly Special airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Niamh Spence