Neil Jones Left Without Strictly Partner Again, Jokes About World Records

Neil Jones has once again been left without a celebrity partner for the latest season of Strictly Come Dancing, marking the seventh time in ten years he has not been paired with a contestant.

The 44-year-old professional dancer, who joined the BBC competition in 2016, was last paired with singer Toyah Willcox in 2024, with their partnership ending after two weeks.

During the pre-recorded launch show for Strictly 2026, where professional dancers discovered their celebrity partners, Jones found himself on the sidelines along with three new professionals. He addressed the situation in an Instagram video posted during the broadcast. In the clip, he attempted to throw a pen into a cup, which was then replaced by a larger bin. His caption read, 'if I get the pen in the bin I will get a celeb partner.' The dancer missed the bin, with fellow professional Kai Widdrington, who did secure a partner, catching the pen off-camera.

Jones lightheartedly commented on the situation, stating, 'You know I love being part of @bbcstrictly and honestly after adding 2 Guinness World Records last year to my 45 titles around the world, I feel like it would be greedy to win the glitterball as well so I wanted to give the others a chance.'

Fans and fellow dancers responded to his post with amusement and support. It was previously reported that Jones missed filming several group dances due to an injury sustained during rehearsals.

A source told The Sun that Jones is a "much-loved and valued member of the cast," adding, "sadly not all the pros can get a partner. Bosses love him because of his jokey personality, so expect to see him on set as much as possible."

The launch show on Saturday night introduced 15 new celebrity contestants. Among the pairings announced were EastEnders actress Lacey Turner with Vito Coppola, and Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb with Jowita Przystał. Love Island winner Cach Mercer is partnered with new professional Maddie Ingoldsby, and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton will dance with Amy Dowden. Australian singer Delta Goodrem is paired with Kai Widdrington, while dog trainer Graeme Hall will dance with Lauren Oakley. Actress Jaime Winstone has been partnered with Carlos Gu, and sports YouTuber John Nellis will dance with Katya Jones. The oldest celebrity, Melanie Walters, is paired with Aljaž Škorjanec, while Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey will dance with Julian Caillon. Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips is partnered with Alexis Warr, and skeleton racer Tabby Stoecker is with new professional Mark Karmalita. Big Brother presenter Will Best will dance with Dianne Buswell.

Dani Dyer, who had to withdraw early last year due to an ankle injury, returns for her second year and is reunited with her partner Nikita Kuzmin. Bethany Antonia, known for 'House of the Dragon', requested a female partner and has been paired with Nancy Xu.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One on Saturday, September 26.