Neil Jones ‘really bruised’ as he’s left without partner for fourth time on Strictly
Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones will be without a partner on this year's competition and according to one friend he is gutted by the news.
Strictly's Katya and Neil Jones discuss friendship after split
Strictly Come Dancing kicked off in flamboyant style on Saturday, with a colourful routine to disco classics performed by all 20 professionals. However, with only 15 celebrities needing partners, there were five unlucky performers who were not given the chance of lifting the Glitterball trophy. Neil Jones is reportedly upset to be one of those sitting on the sidelines.
Neil has been one of the most recognisable dancers of the Strictly family since he joined the show in 2016.
He stormed to fifth place when partnered with Alex Scott in 2019 and starred on Morning Live's Strictly Fitness segment.
However, despite joining the BBC show six years ago, he has only taken part in the competition twice.
His latest snub is said to have left him "really bruised" from bosses decision.
Read More: Yellowstone’s Lloyd star shares warning for season 5 premiere
A source explained: “He is ‘really disappointed’ not to have a celebrity dance partner this year."
They added to The Sun: "Particularly as the two male newcomers this year are paired up."
Last year the World Champion dancer performed with former EastEnders actress Nadia Wadia, but was eliminated after the first week.
Fans of the show were also dumbfounded by his rejection this year too and took to Twitter to comment.
@Nessmean tweeted: “What has Neil done to the BBC?! No partner again seems really off.. #Strictly.”
@sunshining55555 added: “#Strictly #neiljones why no partner for Neil? Really enjoy watching him why don't BBC get it?”
Arianne penned: "Sad Neil and Cameron don’t have partners this year when the two new male pros do."
@AMG_Review remarked: “Quite gutted we don’t get to see Neil or Luba with partners this year #Strictly.”
DON'T MISS...
Strictly's Giovanni Pernice growing 'frustrated' with Richie Anderson' [INSIGHT]
Don’t feel comfortable' Kaye Adams shares Strictly Come Dancing fears [ARTICLE]
Matt Goss shares brother's reaction to Strictly stint: ‘How on Earth?' [REACTION]
Former Strictly pro James Jordan also agreed with confused viewers on Twitter.
He replied to one fan, commenting: “Very strange - such a shame they don’t use the talent we have in this country. Especially when he has the best pedigree.
"Nothing against the foreign dancers as my wife was one of them BUT too few home grown so why not Neil???"
The other dancers without a partner this year include newcomers Lauren Oakley and Michelle Tsiakkas.
Their fellow newcomer Carlos Gu caused a stir on the launch show with a steamy dance with host Claudia Winkleman.
The co-host of the primetime show asked Carlos his favourite dance and was baffled when he said Rumba.
Carlos treated her to a sensual move by rubbing her arms while they were sat together, and the host jokingly howled: "I'm pregnant!"
Claudia laughed: "I've got it wrong about the Rumba, it's obviously not just standing!"
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday at 6.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.