Neil Jones is said to be feeling deflated, dejected and dispirited after being left without a celebrity partner on Strictly Come Dancing yet again.
The 40-year-old dance professional has been a performer on the hit BBC show since 2016 when he joined as a cast member in series 14.
But since then, he has been left to dance as a background performer more times than he has been given a celebrity to dance with – with the 2022 season seeing him left to perform in the background once again.
While he was matched with EastEnders actress Nina Wadia in 2021, they were the first to be eliminated in week one of the show - and he was also left partnerless in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020.
And it seems Neil is getting a bit sick and disheartened by being left on the shelf year after year
According to The Sun on Sunday, Neil has: “told pals he is ‘really disappointed’ not to have a celebrity dance partner this year”
While a source told the publication Neil had found it “very bruising” that he had been overlooked for the 2022 series.
The added the insult was extra bitter: “particularly as the two male newcomers this year are paired up”
If Neil really is bitter about being left out with the main dance challenges, he is doing a spectacular job of hiding his feelings.
Taking to Instagram ahead of the first live show of the year, the flame haired hunk explained that he is just as excited as viewers about the new season.
Sharing a solo snap of himself posing in front of some giant mirrorball, he wrote: “First live show tonight and I can’t wait to see what all the couples have been up to.”
Some fans did react to the post to express their own sadness that he won’t be dancing on the main stage as a contender.
One follower commented: “Sad you don't have a partner this year! You're one of my fave pros!”
And another remarked: “Sorry you don’t have a partner but look forward to seeing you at every opportunity.”
Neil’s best performance on the show so far was in 2019, where he ended in fifth place alongside women’s football ace Alex Scott.
The 2022 series has seen Neil’s ex-wife, Katya Jones, return to the main stage once again - as she has been paired with former England footballer Tony Adams.
A string of high profile stars are taking part in the current season - with Loose Women’s Kaye Adams, X Factor star Fleur East, and ex-Corrie star Kym Marsh all taking part in the show.
While some fans have been left baffled and confused by a new voting system that has come into effect for the 2022 series - as the first elimination for the current contestants is due to take place next weekend.
*Strictly Come Dancing returns live at 6:30pm on Saturday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
