Strictly Come Dancing 2018: Katya Jones’ husband Neil to be professional dancer?
STRICTLY COME DANCING lost one of its professional dancers earlier this year when Brendon Cole revealed on Lorraine that his contract had not been renewed for this year’s edition of the show.
Strictly Come Dancing: Katie Piper revealed as first contestant
Following Brendan’s shocking exit from Strictly Come Dancing, rumours have been flying over who will be filling his slot on the show.
It has now been reported that behind-the-scenes choreographer Neil Jones has been chosen to take Brendan’s place on the show.
The Sun reports that the show’s voiceover artist Alan Dedicoat revealed Neil’s involvement in the show.
He said: “Neil Jones is doing it this year.
“He’s always been on the show but not coupled with someone, so it’ll be interesting to see how he does.”
A TV source also told The Sun: “Neil has been a choreographer on the show since Katya joined but has always been keen to be partnered with one of the celebrities.
“He is well liked by the other dancers and crew and he has a wicked personality.
“Producers are lining him up for a star role. The only thing that could stand in his way is height.”
Express.co.uk has contacted BBC for comment.
Neil is the husband of Strictly professional Katya Jones, who won the competition last year with Joe McFadden.
Katya arrived on Strictly two seasons ago, when she was first partnered up with politician Ed Balls in 2016.
Neil also first joined the show in 2016, but he remained backstage, choreographing the show.
Brendan recently tweeted his former colleagues good luck on the upcoming season.
Tagging the Strictly employees, Brendan wrote: “To all of my @bbcstrictly friends on day one of Season 16. Wishing you a fantastic series Xx.”
This morning the first contestant of the year was announced live on BBC Breakfast.
Dan Walker and Louise Minchin revealed philanthropist and model Katie Piper to be the first contestant of 2018’s dance competition.
On the sofa she also added she would love to be partnered up with Giovanni Pernice.
She laughed: “Am I allowed to say who I want?
“But I have no sway in that at all! So, Giovanni, if you’re watching, I’m coming for you.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.
STRICTLY COME DANCING WINNERS: A TIMELINE
2004 winner: Natasha Kaplinsky
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to win the BBC dancing series. She was partnered with Brendan Cole. They finished 39 points ahead of competitor Christopher Parker.
2005 winner: Jill Halfpenny
Jill Halfpenny was the second star to impress the judges with her dancing skills. Partnered with Darren Bennett, the pair beat off competition from Julian Clary and Denise Lewis.
2006 winner: Darren Gough
Cricketer Darren Gough won the third series of Strictly. He and partner Lilia Kopylova wowed audiences but never once finished at the top of the leaderboard.
2007 winner: Mark Ramprakash
Mark Ramprakash was the fourth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He was partnered with Karen Hardy and they were the first couple to restart a routine after their initial attempt saw Mark’s mic get caught in Karen’s dress.
2008 winner: Alesha Dixon
Before becoming a Strictly judge, Alesha Dixon won the nation’s hearts and the Glitterball Trophy during the fifth series. She was partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler.
2009 winner: Tom Chambers
Holby City star Tom Chambers was partnered with Camilla Dallerup when he won the sixth series. He performed the Foxtrot and Salsa in the final week.
2010 winner: Chris Hollins
BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins and his professional partner Ola Jordan surprised viewers when they beat Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe in the final. They wowed with the Foxtrot, Charleston, Lindy Hop and Showdance.
2011 winner: Kara Tointon
Kara Tointon was the eighth celebrity to win Strictly. She danced with Artem Chigvintsev and failed to receive 40 points throughout her time on the show.
2012 winner: Harry Judd
Former McFly star Harry Judd was the ninth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He didn’t top the leaderboard until week seven but then scored 40 points twice in the final.
2013 winner: Louis Smith
The tenth series of the BBC show was won by Olympian Louis Smith. He danced his way to victory with professional partner Flavia Cacace. He faced competition from Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen and Danni Harmer in the series finale.
2014 winner: Abbey Clancy
Model Abbey Clancy won series eleven of Strictly alongside partner Alijaz Skorjanec. She was called a “spectacular dancer” with “wonderful posture” by former head judge Len Goodman.
2015 winner: Caroline Flack
Love Island host Caroline Flack took to the dance floor in series 12 where she scooped the Glitterball Trophy with Pasha Kovalev.
2016 winner: Jay McGuiness
Jay McGuiness surprised viewers when he won the thirteenth series of the BBC dancing competition with Aliona Vilani. When he learned he’d won, he told host Tess Daly: “I feel spaced out - it’s really weird.”
2017 winner: Joe McFadden
Last year’s winner of Strictly was Joe McFadden. The Holby City star beat off competition from fan favourite Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson and Alexandra Burke.