Neil Jones, 42, issues statement as BBC Strictly future confirmed after major show update
Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones has broken his silence after the BBC announced this year’s professional line-up.
The 42-year-old choreographer was partnered last year alongside actress Toyah Willcox, and has featured in the popular competition since 2016.
On Friday, the show released which professionals would be taking part once again in the Autumn show, with Jones once again taking part.
The dancer took to Instagram to share a sweet response and also addressed “haters”.
Alongside a video of him dancing around in a swimming pool, he wrote: “I can’t believe it’s going to be a decade that I have been a pro on @bbcstrictly so to everyone that supports me and the show, thank you and I can’t wait to continue entertaining the nation.
“To the rest, come on it’s about time you switch from being a hater to actually enjoying life and give me some love but if not no worries because I will continue with the good vibes and energy and being part of the show I love the most plus spreading my love and knowledge of dance that I have collected over the past 4 decades and over 45 titles worldwide.”
Fans are co-stars alike rushed to the comments to lend their support, with dancer Amy Dowden writing: “Let’s goooooo! Xxxx.”
Another fellow Strictly pro, Jowita Przystał, simply posted two love heart emojis in the comments.
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A fan shared: “Would love to see you given more partners and do more in the show. You bring smiles and sunshine x.”
“Gooooo onnnn Neil. We know you are a fabulous choreographer and teacher as well as professional dancer. I hope this is a special year for you because you absolutely deserve it,” another penned.
“You’ve always had the love from me, keep enjoying yourself. You are amazing,” someone else enthused.
“Love your dancing, your teaching and your zest for life!! @mr_njonesofficial,” another added.
Another fan posted: “Haters can do one. Here’s to watching you for many years, oh and I was in Cardiff to see you all- loved it x.”
Jones will be joining the 2025 series alongside Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Dowden, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Przystal, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.
Last year, Jones enjoyed a brief stint in the competition before returning for the group dances.
He and partner Wilcox were eliminated in week three, losing the dance-off to Paul Merson and professional Hauer.
Along with the BBC’s official announcement, Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, stated: “The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new professional dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.”
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment at the broadcaster, added: “The Strictly professional dancers are the beating heart of the programme, showcasing to viewers in every corner of the UK their world class talent by lighting up the famous Strictly ballroom every Saturday and Sunday night. Here’s to another fab-u-lous series!”