Strictly professional Neil Jones ‘misses out on a celebrity partner for the SIXTH time’ – as he prepares to welcome his first child with girlfriend Chyna Mills
Strictly star Neil Jones has been reportedly left without a celebrity partner yet again ahead of the start of the upcoming BBC series.
The show’s bosses have failed to give the professional dancer a star for the sixth time during his eight-year run on the programme.
Throughout his time on the BBC dancefloor, the star, 41, has only had two celebrity partners, Alex Scott and Nina Wadia.
According to sources from The Mirror, Neil is ‘gutted to be have been overlooked.’
However, aside from Strictly, the star is also preparing to become a father for the first time with his fiancée, Love Island star Chyna Mills, 24.
The insider revealed: ‘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.’
MailOnline has contacted Neil’s representatives and representatives for Strictly Come Dancing for comment.
Strictly is set to launch on September 23 where the celebrities will find out for the first time, live, who they are coupled up with.
However Neil will not receive a partner and will instead only appear in group routines.
The dancer and the reality star went public with their romance in August 2022, and revealed in April that they were both engaged and expecting their first child together.
Chyna is nearing her due date after she revealed on Instagram last month that she has now packed her hospital bag.
The couple revealed the baby’s gender while hanging out with the whole Strictly gang back in June.
Dancers Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Vito Coppola, Carlo Gu, Karen Hauer, Nikita Kuzmin, Luba Mushtuk, Nancy Xu and Jowita Przystal all gathered round as Chyna and Neil sliced into a cake to reveal a pink sponge. They all cheered: ‘It’s a girl!’
Speaking to HELLO! magazine about the moment they found out the sex of the unborn tot with his ‘Strictly’ gang, Neil said: ‘They were as thrilled as us…
‘They’d been trying to guess if we were expecting a girl or a boy, and for the HELLO! shoot the girls wore pink or blue eyeshadow, depending on what they thought…
‘Dianne was like, ‘Your daughter will have so many (Strictly) aunties now!’ Chyna and I are so happy and I can’t wait to be a dad.’
Chyna says she had an inkling she was having a girl because of her intense morning sickness and the fact her mother had it bad with her pregnancies with her girls.
She said: ‘I had horrendous morning sickness, which my mum – who’s had four girls – tells me is a sign. My cravings have been for sweet food, too. Krispy Kreme donuts are my downfall.’
STRICTLY COME DANCING 2023: WHO ARE THE CONTESTANTS?
Angela Rippon
Age: 78
Profession: Journalist
Angela says: ‘Having been a fan of Strictly since day one, and as a former presenter of Come Dancing, this will be quite an adventure for me. A scary one, considering I’m about to be 79. But I’m looking forward to the challenge, and perhaps being able to learn to dance the Argentine Tango.’
Amanda Abbington
Age: 49
Profession: Actress
Amanda says: ‘I’m thrilled to have been asked to do Strictly. I’m actually really shy and self-conscious so this will be a great opportunity for me to overcome those things.’
Layton Williams
Age: 28
Profession: Actor
Layton says: ‘Absolutely buzzing to confirm that I will be taking part in THE most iconic dance competition in the UK! It’s time to bring it to the Ballroom. So excited to learn new skills from the best. Bring on the sequins… ALL the sequins!’
Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Age: 53
Profession: Journalist
Krishnan says: ‘I’m surprised, delighted and slightly confused to find myself taking part in Strictly on the basis of ‘You only live once!’ I can’t wait to start learning to dance, but I am slightly worried about my general decrepitude.’
Eddie Kadi
Age: 40
Profession: Comedian and radio presenter
Eddie says: ‘WOW. Anyone who knows me, understands that music and dance is so important and central to who I am. I’m so unbelievably proud and honoured that Strictly and the BBC have asked me to join the 2023 Team. I promise you, I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. This is going to be a VIBE.
Angela Scanlon
Age: 39
Profession: TV presenter
Angela says: ‘I’m not particularly fit, I’ve no idea how my pelvic floor is going to react to this dancing. I’ve never done any dances apart from drunken jiving at a wedding!’
Zara McDermott
Age: 26
Profession: Documentary maker and former Love Island star
Zara says: ‘I am so excited to be joining the world of Strictly! I grew up watching it every year with my nan and she was the biggest Strictly fan. We would dance around the house and I have such fond memories of that time in my life.’
Adam Thomas
Age: 34
Profession: Actor and presenter
Adam says: ‘I can’t dance to save my life but I’m buzzing to learn and have a good laugh with my pro. Get me on that dance floor…I can’t wait!’
Nikita Kanda
Age: 27
Profession: Radio and TV presenter
Nikita says: ‘I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly. This is a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself. I don’t think it will properly sink in until I step onto the dancefloor. I can’t wait to get glammed up and get out there. Throw the glitter on me!’
Ellie Leach
Age: 22
Profession: Coronation Street star
Ellie says: ‘It still doesn’t feel real that I’m going to be doing Strictly!! It’s always been a dream of mine so I guess dreams really do come true!!!!’
Jody Cundy
Age: 44
Profession: Paralympic champion
Jody says: ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins.’
Bobby Brazier
Age: 20
Profession: EastEnders star and model
Bobby says: ‘I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly line up, I can’t wait to start training like a professional dancer and adding a few moves to my locker. I’m looking forward to performing in-front of everyone.’
Nigel Harman
Age: 49
Profession: Actor
Nigel says: ‘I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!’
Annabel Croft
Age: 57
Profession: Broadcaster and ex tennis player
Annabel says: ‘I have always loved watching Strictly and can’t quite believe I’m going to be part of this magical show – swapping tennis balls for glitter balls and looking forward to finding some joyfulness in the process.’
Les Dennis
Age: 69
Profession: Actor and game show host
Les says: ‘I’m thrilled to be doing this iconic wonderful show as I approach my 70th birthday! In my career I’ve always gone for challenges outside my comfort zone and this is the ultimate one! Can’t wait.’
