Strictly Come Dancing's Alex Scott Casts Doubt On Neil Jones' Return

Strictly Come Dancing star Alex Scott has suggested her professional partner Neil Jones’ future on the show could be in jeopardy, after he missed last week’s live show due to an injury.

On Saturday night, Alex was forced to deliver her Ghostbusters-inspired street dance partnered by Kevin Clifton, after Neil injured himself at the eleventh hour and was unable to perform.

Despite Alex only having a short amount of time to rehearse with Kevin, the pair ended up being among the night’s highest-scoring couples, which she suggested was a “testament to Neil” and “the way he teaches me and makes me learn every dance just in case anything happens like that”.

However, she also told presenter Claudia Winkleman that Neil’s return was still not confirmed.

Alex said: “Partner, get well, hopefully. We don’t know about next week yet but [I’m thankful] for the way he’s just making me learn.”

Neil was one of two Strictly stars who had to miss Halloween Week, with Paralympian Will Bayley also suffering a knee injury in rehearsals that left him unable to perform.

As is the rules with Strictly, he and Janette Manrara have been granted a bye through to next week’s live show.

Claudia said at the beginning of the show: “Unfortunately Will suffered a knee injury in training and although he was desperate to take part tonight, after a full medical check he’s been told he absolutely cannot perform and must rest.”

Halloween Week saw Catherine Tyldesley and Mike Bushell in the bottom two, with the judges split over which of them should be sent home.

Ultimately, it was up to Head Judge Shirley Ballas to cast the deciding vote, putting Mike through to the next stage of the competition.

Strictly returns on Saturday night at 7pm on BBC One.