The 43-year-old who first joined the BBC dancing competition in 2016 has sadly announced the death of his dad.
In a post on Instagram, he opened up about his “final goodbye” earlier this week at his father’s funeral.
Neil posted a series of black and white pictures of his dad which including him smiling by the sea, as well as enjoying a few pints of beer with his son and even a sweet childhood portrait.
Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving professional dancers
Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones says ‘final goodbye’ to his dad
In a touching tribute, the Strictly professional dancer told his 273k followers: “Yesterday I said goodbye to my Dad for the final time, I thought I knew my dad but yesterday I realised I didn’t after hearing so many lovely & funny stories from family and his closest friends, I know he would be smiling looking down with a pint in his hand. Thank you Wendy and everyone for making it such a special day. RIP DAD.”
Many of his Strictly co-stars shared messages of support and said they are “sending so much love” during this difficult time.
2023 glitterball winner and former Coronation Street favourite Ellie Leach wrote: “sending lots of love neil.”
It Takes Two presenter Fleur East commented: “Sending you love Neil! Such a difficult thing to go through. Big hugs.”
Fellow Strictly professional Karen Haur said: “Sending all our love Neil.”
Lioness Kaz Carney who is currently competing on the 2025 series added: “Sending so much love.”
Vicky Pattison replied: “Sending you so much love babe.”
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Although Neil is part of the Strictly cast this year and is featuring in many professional dances along with the likes of Nancy Xu and Luba Mushtuk, he wasn’t given a celebrity partner for 2025.
In September he shared on Instagram: “It’s all jokes and giggle and no matter with or without a partner I just love being part of @bbcstrictly so thank you for all your love but come on tell me who’s your favourite couple?”
His last celebrity partner on Strictly was pop star Toyah Wilcox in 2024 – the pair finished in 14th place.
