Neil Jones Again Left Unpartnered on Strictly
Neil Jones Again Left Unpartnered on Strictly
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Key Points
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The four unpartnered professionals are Neil Jones and newcomers Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori and Lethabo Monametsi.
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This year’s launch show changed the usual format: celebrities and professionals discovered their pairings before a studio audience through three specially choreographed routines, rather than the pre-recorded videos used in previous years.
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Neil’s fellow professional Kai Widdrington called him the “GOAT” — meaning “greatest of all time” — in the comments on his Instagram video.
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The 2026 launch was the first episode presented by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, who replaced Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after the long-time hosts stepped down the previous year.
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The celebrity lineup includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Bethany Antonia and Will Best; Antonia is competing with Nancy Xu in Strictly’s first same-sex pairing in three years.
Neil Jones will spend another season on the sidelines of Strictly Come Dancing without a celebrity partner. The professional dancer, who joined the BBC show in 2016, is among four pros left unpartnered as Daily Mail reported the 2026 season pairs 15 celebrities with just 15 of its 19 professionals.
Jones joked about the snub on Instagram, pretending a successful pen throw into a bin would earn him a partner — only to have another dancer intercept it. TV Guide noted he remains upbeat despite the setback, highlighting his 45 international titles and two Guinness World Records.
Four Pros Benched as Strictly Expands Its Roster
The 2026 lineup leaves three newcomers alongside Neil on the bench. Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, and Lethabo Monametsi round out the group of unpartnered dancers. Daily Mail confirmed all four will still appear throughout the season despite lacking a celebrity dance partner.
New Host Trio Debut With Reimagined Pairing Reveal
The 2026 launch show ditched its traditional format. Instead of pre-recorded pairing videos, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe unveiled couples through three live choreographed routines before a studio audience. Express reported the new hosts replaced long-time anchors Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Bethany Antonia Makes History With Same-Sex Partner
The celebrity roster includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, and Will Best. Bethany Antonia will compete with Nancy Xu in Strictly's first same-sex pairing in three years, marking a milestone for the competition.
Fellow Pros Rally Behind Jones Despite Setback
Kai Widdrington praised Neil in the Instagram comments, calling him the "GOAT" — greatest of all time. TV Guide reported fans and professionals alike expressed disappointment over the benching, especially after an injury reportedly kept Jones from some group-dance filming earlier in the season.
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