11 September 2023 , 23:01
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Strictly Come Dancing's Neil Jones reckons he's not fussed about having a celebrity partner after being 'snubbed' again by the BBC show.
The professional dancer, 41, will only take part in the programme's group numbers when the series kicks off on Saturday, having previously only had two famous partners - Alex Scott and Nina Wadia. However, the ex-husband of Strictly star Katya Jones, says he ok about not being in the spotlight - even though some of his fellow dancers disagree.
Speaking about the new series of the star-studded show, Neil said: “I think this is going to be my eighth series, and I’ve had two partners on the main show. I would honestly say to you, I love when I have a partner, and I love when I don’t have a partner.When you don’t have a partner, a lot of people think you just sit at home. But you really don’t. On Strictly, they make sure you’ve got plenty to do. We’re doing group numbers and music acts, we help out other pros.”
Strictly Come Dancing's Neil Jones reckons he's not fussed about having a celebrity partner after being 'snubbed' again by the BBC show (REX/Shutterstock)
The dancer speaks about his experience on Strictly in this week's Radio TimesHowever, the dancer's colleague, Grazio Di Prima, disagreed, telling the Radio Times: "Obviously we want a partner. We’re going to be part of the game. We’re going to give it our best shot, no matter who we get.”
While Neil may not be paired up with a celebrity on Strictly, he is happily coupled up with his reality TV star Chyna Mills, who is expecting the couple's first child later this year. Speaking about the dancer's appearance on the new series of the primetime show, a source said while it's obviously not 'ideal' Neil didn't have a celebrity partner, he had a lot to be happy about. They said: "Of course it's disappointing, but Neil feels like he's won the lottery at the moment, so he won't be sweating it too much. He and Chyna can't wait to welcome their new arrival, and at least his lesser role in this years' series means he will be able to be more hands-on."
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Neil Jones has only had two celebrity partners on Strictly - Nina Wadia and Alex Scott (PA)Neil, who has been strutting his stuff on Strictly since 2016, started dating Love Island star, Chyna, last summer. Speaking in June, as the couple announced they were having a baby girl, he explained how impending fatherhood had changed his perspective on life, he said: "My outlook on life has changed - it's not just about me anymore. I have two people to look after." Neil also revealed he was receiving parenting advice from fellow pro Gorka Marquez, who shares daughter Mia, four, and newborn son Thiago with Hollyoaks actress, Gemma Atkinson.