Strictly Come Dancing fans are calling for a petition to guarantee professional dancer Neil Jones a celebrity partner in the next series after he was left without one for the second year in a row.
World champion dancer Neil Jones first joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 and has been off and on the professional dancer line-up over the years. Having quickly become a fan favourite, viewers have called for a petition to be made so Neil will be given a partner in the next series.
Neil Jones' Strictly journey
After being on the BBC dance show for a decade, the 44-year-old has had three celebrity partners on the main programme. In 2019, he reached the quarter-final with former footballer Alex Scott, before being partnered with Nina Wadia in 2021 and Toyah Willcox in 2024, however they dropped out in week two.
While Strictly has been given a major shake up this year with new hosts and professional dancers, Neil has found himself without a celebrity partner for the second year in a row. However, instead of wallowing over the situation, the dancer has taken control of the narrative with some hilarious clips online.
Fans react to Neil's social media videos
Taking to social media, Neil shared a video of himself with co-stars Carlos Gu, Kai Widdrington and Julian Caillon with the caption: "They got celebrity partners... I got character development." Leaving viewers in stitches, the Instagram clip sees the group sing along to the lyrics of Aretha Franklin's Respect.
On top of the dramatic acting, Neil added the words: "When I'm the only one without a partner and all I want is respect." This isn't the only clip centred around Neil not having a celebrity partner that has been uploaded over the weekend.
In one cheeky video, Neil appears with an ageing filter as he jokingly says "it's been 84 years since I last had a Strictly partner... but apparently this is 'my year'". This was followed by a video of Neil packing a bag as he mimicked lyrics 'I would only be in your way' from Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You. Bringing fans to tears with laughter, he added the caption: "When Strictly ask if I want to stay for the results show".
Petition calls and fan theories
Many fans have shared their delight in the comments section, calling for a petition to guarantee Neil a partner next year. One viewer wrote: "Oh Neil, this is one reason we love you."
As another pleaded: "You have to have a partner next year, you are my favourite. We need more @mr_njonesofficial screen time." While a third fan cheered: "It's a 10 again!!!!"
However, one Strictly fan has a theory about why Neil is without a partner this year. They wrote: "My theory is the only reason you're not getting a partner is so we can keep this funny content up!"
With another devoted fan adding: "You need a partner, they must listen and give you one next year. We will all sign a petition." Meanwhile, one viewer simply stated: "Justice for Neil!!!"
With many fans backing Neil to be in the professional line-up next year, one fan warned: "If the producers don't listen to what the fans want next year by giving you a partner I fear there may just be a riot at the BBC studios."
While Neil may not be on our TV screens as much this year, he is sure keeping viewers entertained with his hilarious content online, even if it is at the BBC's expense.
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, October 10 at 6:15pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
