STRICTLY Come Dancing star Neil Jones has ‘missed out on a celebrity partner’ for another year on the show, as the BBC dance programme gets set to return to screens.
Neil, who is expecting his first child, a baby girl, with his Love Island star fiancee Chyna Mills, has only ever been partnered with two celebrities despite joining the show seven years ago.
And it has now been reported that the 41-year-old has been overlooked yet again.
Despite the setback, the star “feels like he’s won the lottery” due to the impending arrival of his baby with Chyna.
A source said: “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.”
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They continued to tell The Mirror: “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."
The hunk came fifth with footballer Alex Scott in 2019 but was part of the first couple to be eliminated when he was paired with EastEnders legend Nina Wadia two years later.
It comes as the dance star revealed his plan for if his Love Island star girlfriend Chyna goes into labour during a Strictly live show.
Neil admitted he’s all set for if it happens, but added that he’ll urge Chyna to “hold on as long as she can.”
He continued to tell OK!: “Chyna is ready to pop – she's raring to go. 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.”
He also admitted that he’s ready for the sleepless nights that come with having a newborn.
“People ask, 'Are you ready for sleep deprivation?' And I say, 'I'm a dancer, I'm used to it,” Neil added.
