NEIL Jones has been a regular on Strictly Come Dancing since joining the hit BBC series back in 2016.
Neal's marriage and subsequent split with Katya Jones thrust the dancer into the headlines. Here's Neil's story.
Why did Neil Jones split from his wife Katya Jones?
On August 18, 2019 it was revealed that Neil and his wife Katya Jones had split – ten months after she was pictured kissing 2018 strictly partner Seann Walsh.
The pair, who married in 2013, confirmed the break-up on Instagram.
In a joint statement, they said: "Hi everyone. As our fans and loyal supporters you are really important to us and so we wanted to let you know some news. After 11 years we have made the mutual decision to separate.
"We will always love each other, just in a different way as friends. This will never change what a great team we make and we are really proud of everything we have achieved together.
"Our shared love of dance means we will keep working and dancing together as well as exploring individual projects. No matter what we do we will always support and respect each other.
"We wish one another every happiness and we will remain the best of friends. We are really looking forward to getting back to the ballroom and can't wait to keep on dancing. Lots of love from us both xx"
What is Neil Jones background?
Neil Jones, 37, is a professional ballroom dancer who works as a dancer for Strictly Come Dancing.
He's British but was born in Munster, Germany, and started dancing at a local ballet school at the age of just three.
Neil has represented Finland, Holland and the UK during the course of his competitive career.
He also holds many titles including UK, British, Dutch, European and World Latin Champion.
Upon signing up to BBC's Strictly in 2016, he said: “As a British dancer I have grown up watching this amazing show, it is a massive honour…
"I am feeling pumped and excited to be part of the Strictly family.”
Who is Neil Jones' Strictly Come Dancing partner?
Neil Jones has been partnered with football pundit Alex Scott.
When did Neil Jones' wife Katya Jones kiss Seann Walsh?
Katya and Neil were hit by the "Strictly Curse" when Katya was pictured kissing her dance partner Seann Walsh in the street outside a pub.
Hours before the story broke, the couple danced together on the show as part of a routine with other pro dancers.
An insider, at the time, said: “It’s going to cause real ructions backstage not least because Katya and Neil have to work alongside each other week in, week out.
“It will be unbelievably awkward especially if Seann goes through to next week’s show.”
But Neil appeared to shrug off the controversy by posting a picture of his wife with Seann on Twitter.
He captioned it: “Wow last nights @bbcstrictly movie week was really epic and I’m really proud of @mrs_katjones and @seannwalsh Paso Doble. Great shapes and of course like always the choreography was on point.”
What time is Strictly Come Dancing 2019 on?
Strictly Come Dancing returned for its 17th series on BBC One on September 7, 2019.
However, the show kicked off with the red carpet launch on Monday, August 26, 2019.
The live shows begin on Saturday, September 21, with the results airing the following day on Sundays.
Strictly continues on BBC One on 7pm and you can get the FULL celebrity line-up here.
Source: Read Full Article