Neil Jones has landed a celebrity partner for a special Strictly Come Dancing performance, dancing with Mel Giedroyc in aid of BBC Children in Need. The announcement has prompted fans to call for Giedroyc to join the main series.
BBC Children in Need is bringing Strictly glamour to its appeal show this Friday evening, with the five main presenters taking to the dance floor themselves for a one-off routine supporting the charity.
Lineup for the special performance
Professional dancer Neil, who was without a partner for the main 2026 series, will dance with Mel Giedroyc. TV personality Rylan Clark performs with Amy Dowden, while BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox joins forces with Julian Caillon. The lineup also features The One Show's Alex Jones, who partners Aljaž Škorjanec, and Kiss radio presenter Tyler West, who teams up with Alexis Warr.
After the announcement, supporters flooded social media calling for Neil's partner Mel to join the main series of Strictly. On X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote: "I want Mel to do the main series so bad." Another person stated: "I need Mel to do the main show." A third said: "I want Mel to do the main Strictly show."
Previous partnership and perfect score
This is not the first time Neil and Mel have partnered up. The duo competed in the 2021 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, securing a perfect score of 40.
They delivered a high-energy Couple's Choice routine to "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice, broadcast on Christmas Day. Neil and Mel sported matching 90s retro tracksuits in vibrant pink, blue and white, accessorised with visor sunglasses and trainers.
The duo concluded the evening's performances and received a perfect score of 40, with maximum marks from Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke. Although they shared the top position on the judges' leaderboard with Anne-Marie and Graziano Di Prima, the studio audience ultimately voted pop star Anne-Marie and former professional Graziano Di Prima as the 2021 Christmas Champions.
Appeal show details
Mel, Alex, Rylan, Sara and Tyler will present three hours of spectacular entertainment celebrating this year's fundraising achievements. Viewers can look forward to an impressive array of celebrity guests, stunning performances, exclusive comedy sketches, unexpected appearances and an emotional comeback from the beloved Children in Need Choir.
Beyond the spectacle, moving accounts from youngsters throughout the UK will showcase the transformative work of BBC Children in Need.
Discussing the campaign, Mel said: "BBC Children in Need has an incredible ability to bring people together to make a difference for children and young people across the UK."
"This year's Appeal is all about making sure every child has someone by their side when they need it most, and everyone can play a part in that."
"Whether you take on a challenge, donate or support a fundraiser in your community, every contribution helps provide vital support and opportunities for young people. Let's get behind BBC Children in Need and help make this year's Appeal the biggest yet!"
Children in Need 2026 airs Friday, November 13 from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
