Injured Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones has assured fans he feels “positive” about returning to the competition this weekend.
The professional dancer, 37, was replaced at the last minute by his pal and fellow pro Kevin Clifton during Halloween week, following an injury sustained in rehearsals.
Read more: Strictly’s Kevin Clifton picked as Neil Jones’ replacement because ‘Gorka was getting coffee’
And again for week seven, Neil had to sit out of the show while Kevin took to the dancefloor with his celeb partner, former footballer Alex Scott.
They danced the American Smooth to Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and racked up a score of 31 from the judges.
Taking to Twitter on Monday (04.11.19), Neil appeared to be his usual upbeat self as he told his followers he loves the start of each week because it means he gets to teach Alex a new dance.
It’s positive at the moment but still I need to see.
He tweeted: “Most people don’t like Mondays but I do. That’s because I get to teach @AlexScott a new dance! #teamred #Strictly.”
In the replies, one of his followers asked: “Are you likely to be dancing though?”
Neil told them: “It’s positive at the moment but still I need to see.”
Most people don’t like Monday’s but I do🤗 that’s because I get to teach @AlexScott a NEW DANCE!!!! #teamred #Strictly
— Neil Jones (@Mr_NJones) November 4, 2019
It’s positive at the moment but still I need to see
— Neil Jones (@Mr_NJones) November 4, 2019
Another who asked if he would be back on the dancefloor this Saturday had to admit they loved seeing Kevin step in.
“I also Love Kevin,” Neil responded, with a smiley face emoji, adding: “But I also would really like to continue dancing with Alex.”
https://twitter.com/Mr_NJones/status/1191340603466035211
Neil’s fans were gutted on Friday (01.11.19), when he revealed he would be missing the show for the second week running.
Appearing on companion programme It Takes Two, he confirmed: “No, I won’t be dancing tomorrow. I’ve tried but it’s just not ready yet. I’ll be fine if I rest this weekend.”
Hugging Alex on the show, he added: “You nail the dance, go through, then I’ll be ready for you on Monday morning.”
It was explained that Kevin would again be replacing him. The pro, 37, had come into training late on Wednesday evening when Neil realised he was not ready to dance.
"You nail the dance, go through, and I'll be ready for you Monday morning…"
We hope you recover soon @Mr_NJones!
Our hero of the hour @keviclifton will be stepping in again to partner @AlexScott on #Strictly this weekend for their American Smooth! pic.twitter.com/jsKHfSttNq
— BBC Strictly ✨ (@bbcstrictly) November 1, 2019
Read more: Strictly star Gorka Marquez hints he should have replaced injured Neil Jones
Alex explained: “It’s been a strange week to be honest. Going back to ballroom I’m nervous anyway.
“I’m used to [Neil]. It’s really different dancing with someone else.”
Kevin said: “I’m obviously gutted for Neil. I’m hoping he’s on the mend. It looks like he’s getting better and better.
“Fingers crossed I can get Alex through and she’ll be back with him. Alex has been amazing. She’s got a brilliant mentality. Refuses to complain. Most people would say it’s too much pressure.”
Would you like to see Alex and Kevin dance again this weekend? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.