Strictly Come Dancing is back and the new series will see some of the professional dancers not compete for the Glitterball Trophy
Hayley Anderson TV Reporter and Joe Crutchley TV reporter
13:23, 18 Oct 2025
Here’s why Strictly Come Dancing’s Neil Jones was left without partner in 2025 series(Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Strictly Come Dancing has returned with a flourish, showcasing a fresh roster of celebrities ready to showcase their dance skills – but once again, Neil Jones finds himself without a partner.
On Saturday (October 18), the 2025 cast will take to the dance floor once more to flaunt their best moves, accompanied by their dedicated professional dancers.
This year’s celebrity line-up boasts big names such as Amber Davies, Jimmy Floyd, George Clarke, Alex Kingston, Ellie Golstein and La Voix.
However, not all of the cherished professional dancers will be participating in the BBC competition this year, including fan favourite Neil Jones.
Neil is a firm favourite(Image: PA)
Jovial Neil Jones has been a mainstay in the Strictly professional family since 2016, but for the initial few years, he wasn’t allocated a partner.
He danced with two celebrities on Christmas specials and it wasn’t until 2019 that Neil was finally assigned his first partner on the series, footballer Alex Scott, according to the Express. They made quite an impact in the competition, securing fifth place, but the following year, Neil was once again relegated to the group dances.
He returned in 2021 with former EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, but they were the first pair to be eliminated. And last year, Neil was partnered with pop star Toyah Wilcox, finishing in 14th place.
He competed last year(Image: BBC)
Despite being a part of Strictly, not all dancers are guaranteed to compete, instead they’re utilised for the grand Sunday night routines during the results show. Thus, while Neil is one of the more notable professionals on the programme, he has only competed in the contest thrice.
Also sitting out the 2025 series is Russian dancer Luba Mushtuk, who was previously paired with Olympic rower James Cracknell OBE, the first to be eliminated, followed by American footballer Jason Bell in 2020, who was the second to be voted off.
Neil is a dad to one daughter(Image: GETTY)
Luba has been a part of the professional dancers’ line-up since 2018, but she’s been a member of the Strictly family for years, serving as an assistant choreographer.
Even though he’s been sidelined for the Strictly 2025 series, Neil remains busy, appearing on the show every Saturday night. He also recently joined the team at BBC’s Morning Live, and his family life is keeping him equally occupied.
In October, he and his Love Island star fiancée Chyna Mills were celebrating their daughter Havana’s second birthday, who they welcomed in October 2023.
He was in the headlines a few years ago(Image: BBC)
Neil found himself under the spotlight for a very different reason a few years ago, due to his ex-wife and dance partner Katya Jones. She was caught kissing her celebrity dance partner and comedian Seann Walsh during a night out in 2018, and they continued to dance in the live show together, making for uncomfortable viewing for fans.
Neil and Katya announced their decision to divorce less than a year later. They issued a statement at the time, confirming the conclusion of their six-year marriage.
Strictly Come Dancing airs every weekend on BBC One.
