Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones has shared the sad news of his father David's passing in a deeply emotional social media post. The 43-year-old professional dancer took to Instagram on Thursday evening to announce his father's death and pay a moving tribute.
An Emotional Farewell
The Strictly professional shared several black and white photographs of his father alongside a heartfelt message about the recent funeral service. Neil expressed that the ceremony revealed new aspects of his father's personality that he hadn't fully appreciated during his lifetime.
In his emotional post, Neil wrote: '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.' He added that his father would be 'smiling looking down with a pint in his hand' and thanked family members for making it a 'special day'.
Support from Strictly Colleagues
Neil received an immediate outpouring of support from his Strictly Come Dancing colleagues following his announcement. Fellow professional dancer Karen Hauer responded with 'Sending all our love Neil', while It Takes Two host Fleur East wrote: 'Sending you love Neil! Such a difficult thing to go through. Big hugs.'
His ex-wife and dance partner Katya Jones simply posted 'Rest in peace David', and Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse added her condolences with 'So sorry Neil'. The messages demonstrate the close-knit nature of the Strictly community during difficult personal times.
Family Life and Current Circumstances
Neil and his fiancée, Love Island star Chyna Mills, have been navigating housing challenges while caring for their young daughter Havana. The couple revealed in December that they were temporarily living on a boat due to difficulties in finding a permanent home together.
Chyna explained their unusual living situation during an Instagram Q&A, describing the house-hunting process as 'hell'. She noted that Neil had purchased the boat before their relationship began, and it had become a convenient temporary solution while they search for their ideal property without entering a property chain.
'The plan was never to live on the boat,' Chyna clarified. 'It was just supposed to be a holiday home and Airbnb for when we aren't using it.' The young family now plans to 'cruise around' during the summer months while continuing their property search.
Despite their unconventional living arrangements, the couple shared that they enjoyed a 'really nice, wholesome, relaxing Christmas' together, balancing family time with visits to relatives and traditional holiday activities.
