Neil Jones is said to be missing out on a partner once again (Picture: Getty)
Strictly Come Dancing pro Neil Jones is reportedly ‘gutted’ after missing out on a celebrity partner for another year.
The ballroom star, 41, signed to the BBC show in 2016 but has had just two celeb partners: Alex Scott, who finished fifth in series 17, and Nina Wadia, who finished 15th in series 19.
It now looks like Neil is set to miss out on being in a couple for the sixth year and will only appear in the group dances, despite previous speculation that he would be partnered with a certain influencer.
Despite being understandably disappointed, however, Neil is believed to have shrugged off the matter, as he’s set to become a dad later this year.
Neil – who was previously married to fellow Strictly pro Katya Jones – is expecting a baby girl with Love Island’s Chyna Mills, 24, with her arrival right around the corner.
A source told The Mirror: ‘Of course it’s disappointing, but Neil feels like he’s won the lottery at the moment, so he won’t be sweating it too much.
Neil is awaiting the arrival of his first child with Chyna Mills (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
‘He and Chyna can’t wait to welcome their new arrival, and at least his lesser role in this years’ series means he will be able to be more hands-on.’
While the BBC declined to comment when contacted by Metro.co.uk, they assured that this year’s pairings will be revealed later in the month when the launch show airs.
Taking part this year are Amanda Abbington, Bobby Brazier, Les Dennis, Angela Rippon, and Zara McDermott, to name just a few.
Of course, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are back as hosts, while Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke return to judge and dish out those 10s – hopefully!
And while fans of Neil will be playing Where’s Wally? trying to single him out in group numbers, the dancer will undoubtedly have a lot on his mind.
With the arrival of his first child imminent, a plan has actually been put in place in case Chyna goes into labour while Strictly is on air.
Neil has only had two celebrity partners in the past, with his most recent being Nina Wadia (Picture: PA)
Neil will reportedly only appear in the group routines this series (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Neil told OK! Magazine that he’s urged his other half to ‘hold on as long as she can.’
‘Chyna is ready to pop – she’s raring to go,’ he said.
‘We’re not sure when it’s going to happen but if it’s during a live show, we’re prepared for that.
‘It would be ideal if it happened when I had some time off, but I’m buzzing with anticipation.’
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this month.
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Neil is said to be ‘gutted’.