BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers say 'finally' as dancer gets celebrity partner

Strictly Come Dancing viewers couldn't hide their joy as dancer Neil Jones was finally paired up on the show.

Saturday night's launch show for the 22nd series saw Neil get coupled up with 80s pop icon Toyah Wilcox. Neil has been a dancer on the show since 2014 but has only been paired up twice before - and the last time being in 2021.

When asked by host Claudia Winkleman about how it feels to be partnered with Neil, Toyah said: "I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil!" On Toyah’s plans to be “the first pensioner to abseil through this studio, Neil said: "I’m scared of heights but I’m up for it."

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Those watching at home all had the same reaction as it was announced that Neil will have a celeb partner for the first time in three years.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, @NUthmani wrote: "Oh my God, Neil finally has a partner yayay" while @lushattic said: "Oh Neil Jones has finally got a celeb after all this time on Strictly? Very happy for him."

@see75 added: "Finally Neil has a partner!!!"

Saturday night's pre-recorded launch show saw this year's celebrities paired with their professional dance partners for the first time while the dancers perform an "empowering" routine to celebrate Amy Dowden’s return.

The full list of celebrities taking part this year includes Olympic medalist and TV presenter Sam Quek, former footballer Paul Merson, TV presenter Nick Knowles, Gladiator Montell Douglas, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, Eastenders actor Jamie Borthwick, Miranda actress Sarah Hadland, singer and actor Shayne Ward, TV personality and podcast host Pete Wicks, model and Love Island star