‘My dream dance partner is Meghan!'
New UK|April 05, 2021
Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones on wanting to hit the dance floor with the Duchess of Sussex, facing trolls and life in lockdown
BOBBY NORRIS
‘My dream dance partner is Meghan!'

A world champion ballroom and Latin dancer, Neil Jones waltzed his way into the Strictly Come Dancing professional cast in 2016.

The 38-year-old was famously married to his co-star Katya Jones for six years, but their relationship ended in 2019 after Katya was spotted kissing her celebrity partner, comedian Seann Walsh.

Since then, Neil had a whirlwind romance last summer with Colombian dancer, Luisa Eusse, but that was short-lived and they split in December.

When I give him a call, Neil tells me that while he’s not been put off dating, he will now be more protective of his privacy.

“If I was in a relationship, I wouldn’t be so quick to put it out there for people to know about it,” he explains. “As time goes on, I like to keep my work and my personal life separate.”

Here, Neil opens up on his mental health, his dream future and not letting trolls get to him…

Hey Neil! How have you been during this third lockdown?

It’s definitely getting harder. In the first lockdown I was always searching for something to fill my time, like doing TikToks or doing my house up. I felt like it was a nice, well-needed break. When it got to the second lockdown, I was busy with Strictly. So now, with the third one, I feel like it’s been so long – it’s been a year. It’s definitely at the point where I’m hoping things will get better. But also, I’m seeing how it’s affecting people’s mental health.

Totally! Do you think it’s important for people to speak up about their mental health?

This story is from the April 05, 2021 edition of New UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 05, 2021 edition of New UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView All
Jealous daughter killed mum and sister and staged murder-suicide
New UK

Jealous daughter killed mum and sister and staged murder-suicide

Megan Hargan wanted money to buy a house and was willing to murder her family for it

time-read
5 mins  |
April 01, 2024
A VERY BERRY EASTER
New UK

A VERY BERRY EASTER

Fresh fruit adds juicy goodness to these sweet treats

time-read
4 mins  |
April 01, 2024
'I sound posh but my dad drove a coach'
New UK

'I sound posh but my dad drove a coach'

Comedian Tom Allen on his “normal” upbringing and how he felt during his recent brush with royalty

time-read
3 mins  |
April 01, 2024
Adele has a lot of anxiety'
New UK

Adele has a lot of anxiety'

As Adele cancels a string of shows due to health concerns, the singer worries about letting down her fans, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
April 01, 2024
Holly's guilt over filming abroad
New UK

Holly's guilt over filming abroad

Although Holly Willoughby is delighted to be advancing her career with a new Netflix show, she’s worried about leaving her family behind when she films in Costa Rica

time-read
3 mins  |
April 01, 2024
Broody Jac says no to more babies
New UK

Broody Jac says no to more babies

Although actress Jacqueline Jossa has been enthusing over cuddles with her baby niece, she has ruled out expanding her own family

time-read
3 mins  |
April 01, 2024
´It's fun having another little one around'
New UK

´It's fun having another little one around'

Holly Ramsay talks about the newest member of the family and supporting her Olympic swimmer boyfriend Adam Peaty

time-read
3 mins  |
April 01, 2024
'I want everyone to talk about my wedding'
New UK

'I want everyone to talk about my wedding'

Bride-to-be Vicky Pattison on blowing the budget, being “savage” with the guest list and buying four wedding gowns

time-read
5 mins  |
April 01, 2024
'She feels upset and guilty'
New UK

'She feels upset and guilty'

Amanda Holden admits she wishes she had more time to spend with her daughters and reveals her anxiety about them growing up and leaving home

time-read
3 mins  |
April 01, 2024
Stacey ciggie sparks a furore
New UK

Stacey ciggie sparks a furore

The star is said to be struggling to cope with an online backlash after she was seen lighting up in the park during a family outing

time-read
3 mins  |
April 01, 2024