Neil: ‘My time will come!’
Let’s be clear, Strictly is practically perfect. But there’s one thing it’s failing on, and we’ve had enough: we want more Neil Jones! Every year, the redhead steals the show in the group dances, not to mention his chemistry with wife Katya. Seriously, look at them – they’re the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of the dance floor. But he’s never been given a celebrity partner. It’s just not right. But, according to the pro, his time will come.
“When it comes to that moment when they say, ‘You know what, Neil? We’ve got a partner for you, we really want you to dance,’ I’m ready for that,” the 35 year old tells heat. “Last year, there was a petition to get me a partner – I’m thankful to everyone showing support. But really, I think when there’s someone there for me, they’ll give me a partner.”
In the meantime, he says he’s perfectly happy in the group numbers, as well as helping out Katya – who this year is paired with comedian Seann Walsh – in her routines. But, so far as the Strictly curse goes, it’s Katya – who won last year with actor Joe Mcfadden – who needs to worry more than him. “Well, Ed [Balls] did have beautiful eyes. But I have more of a bromance with her partners. I’m normally the one saying, ‘Katya, don’t be harsh on them!’”
Yep, Neil’s our unsung hero, with a heart as warm as his flame-red hair – and we won’t rest until he takes his rightful place front and centre.
But until then, he’s perfectly happy supporting everyone else behind the scenes. “I get to be around giving them advice,” he tells us. “I’m like the dance whisperer. Or the ginger whisperer.”
What a champ. ■