Second Strictly Come Dancing star misses final and will NOT appear with other celebrities

PAUL Merson will  be absent from tonight's Strictly Come Dancing final, The Sun can reveal.

Former footballer-turned-pundit Paul, 56, who was partnered with Karen Hauer, contacted bosses on the show to say he was unwell today.

A Strictly spokeswoman said: "Paul is unwell today unfortunately. He will be very much missed and is sad he couldn't make it."

It comes as Nick Knowles has also pulled out of the BBC1 final after having a knee operation after injuring himself during the show.

Paul was the fourth celeb to leave the dance competition this series.

The ex-Arsenal ace and pro partner Karen were voted off after their samba and a dance-off with JLS star JB Gill.

Nick- who suffered two injuries during his stint competing for the Strictly Glitterball trophy - recently underwent a procedure with a nine-week recovery period.

The DIY SOS presenter, 60, took to social media an hour before tonight's live final and said he would be absent from the show.

He posted a picture in a hospital bed with his leg in a brace and said: "So as you may have read. I won't be on tonight's Strictly final, as I've only just had a major operation on my knee."

Nick went on to say: "But I'd like to wish all the finalists the best of luck for tonight's show - they all deserve to be champions."

Tonight's final will see Chris McCausland compete against Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri and JLS singer JB Gill.

The stars will all perform three more routines each - a couple's pick, judges' choice and a show dance - in a bid to win the glitterball trophy.