Strictly pro Neil Jones’ partnership – and his future on the show this series – with Alex Scott could be in doubt following the injury that forced the 37-year-old off the dance floor for last weekend’s Halloween special.
Kevin Clifton stepped in to replace Neil at short notice on Saturday after Katya Jones’ ex was unable to participate after he picked up a knock in rehearsals.
Thankfully for the popular pairing, Alex’s Ghostbuster-themed performance saw them cruise through to next week’s round of the BBC One dance series – but former England footballer Alex also hinted Neil’s troubles may not be over.
Speaking to Claudia Winkleman during last night’s results show, 35-year-old Alex suggested her partner’s injury status might threaten their future progress.
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Giving him the credit for their success so far, she said: “I think it’s testament to Neil actually, the way he teaches me and makes me learn every dance just in case anything happens like that.
“So partner get well, hopefully, we don’t know about next week yet but thank you for the way he’s just making me learn.”
Last night I physically couldn’t even walk.
Last night Neil responded to a tweet that suggested he had been hindered by “a tight calf muscle” by revealing the injury was much worse than that.
Neil explained: “I wish it was just a tight muscle and I’ve performed with a ripped muscle and a hernia but last night I physically couldn’t even walk.”
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And in an extended caption on his Instagram account, Neil also suggested he hopes to be back on the dance floor as soon as he can – even though he didn’t mention how long his recovery may take.
Paying tribute to his dance partner, Neil wrote: “The moment I got injured all I could think about was Alex and wanting to push to dance with her no matter what but she showed us all how much she has grown on @bbcstrictly with her performance and to think just 8 weeks ago she was a complete beginner.”
And after thanking Kevin for stepping in, he also hinted that Alex will be taking a greater role in the direction of future routines.
He continued: “Alex listens to everything I teach her so now it’s my turn to listen to her, I will rest and recover ASAP so I can share the floor with my partner.”
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– Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One at 7pm
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