STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were left gobsmacked today as they discovered Neil Jones was once homeless.
The pro dancer, 40, revealed he was forced to live on the streets after being left with no money when he left home at 16 to become a dancer.
Neil Jones has shared his homeless journey
Neil is now a pro dancer on Strictly
Neil, who has been on the BBC show since 2016, told how he couldn’t pay his bills while training in Finland and was left in a very vunerable positing.
He told homeless charity Centre Point: “My breakthrough moment was when a homeless organisation offered me safe accommodation and got me off the streets so I could focus on my dancing.
“Since then I’ve used those low times to push me to succeed.”
Neil didn’t tell anyone about what had happened to him until very recently and even his own mum just found out two years ago.
His followers were very surprised, with one person writing: “Wow Neil I would have never known – so awesome that you are sharing – what an inspiration you are 
.”
A second said: “Never knew this Neil you are an amazing person and an inspiration. So proud of you.”
While a third commented: “This is amazing, I didn’t know this about you Neil. Thank you so much for sharing, I really hope it helps raise awareness but more importantly helps those who need it most.”
Neil’s famous pals were also full of praise, including Kym Marsh and Tyler West.
After finding success as a dancer, Neil married fellow pro Katya Jones in 2013, but announced their separation six years later, in August 2019.
Despite joining Strictly in 2016, Neil didn’t get his first celeb partner until 2019, when he danced with Alex Scott.
He then danced with EastEnders actress Nina Wadia, but didn’t secure a celeb for the last series.
He is now dating Love Island star Chyna Mills.
Neil was married to fellow pro Katya Jones
He is dating Love Island star Chyna Mills
