STRICTLY Come Dancing legend James Jordan has slammed show bosses for snubbing British pro Neil Jones in favour of foreign dancers.
The 40-year-old ballroom dancer missed out on being partnered with a celebrity in last night’s launch show.
James Jordan spoke out in favour of his pal Neil Jones
Strictly dancer Neil has failed to be matched with a celeb partner
It’s the fourth time in six years he’s not been part of the main line-up.
But instead of giving him a ticket to be part of the main event this year, bosses have brought in three new foreign dancers – Italian stallion Vito Coppola, Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas from Cyprus and Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu.
A fan asked James: “Why does Neil miss out again?”
James – who is married to fellow Strictly star Ola Jordan – replied: “Very strange – such a shame they don’t use the talent we have in this country. Especially when he has the best pedigree.
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“Nothing against the foreign dancers as my wife was one of them BUT too few home grown so why not Neil???”
Neil is British but was born in Munster, Germany, and started dancing at a local ballet school at the age of just three.
He has represented Finland, Holland and the UK during the course of his competitive career.
Neil also holds many titles including UK, British, Dutch, European and World Latin Champion.
After joining Strictly six years ago, Neil has been paired with EastEnders star Nina Wadia in 2021 and BBC sport’s Alex Jones back in 2019.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tonight at 6.45pm on BBC One.
