Neil Jones is a 44-year-old British professional dancer and choreographer who has been part of Strictly Come Dancing since 2016 and returned for series 24 in 2026 as a member of the show’s professional troupe. A four-time World Latin champion with 45 titles to his name, Jones is one of the most decorated dancers ever to appear on the BBC ballroom floor, even though his celebrity partnerships have often ended earlier than his talent deserved.
| Full Name | Neil Jones |
| Age (as of 2026) | 44 |
| Date of Birth | May 4, 1982 |
| Birthplace | Münster, West Germany |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Professional dancer; choreographer |
| Known For | Strictly Come Dancing professional (2016–present) |
| Strictly Come Dancing Partner (2026) | None at launch; professional troupe member for series 24 |
| Partner | Chyna Mills (married July 1, 2026) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly reported; no verified figure is published here |
Who Is Neil Jones?
Neil Jones is a British dancer and choreographer who joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 and has remained one of the show’s most experienced professionals ever since. Before television, he built one of the most successful competitive careers in Latin dance, winning 45 titles including eight British National championships, eight Dutch National championships, a European championship and four World Latin championships, including the World Latin Showdance title.
On Strictly, Jones is best remembered for his series 17 partnership with former footballer Alex Scott, with whom he reached week 11 and finished fifth. He has also partnered Nina Wadia in series 19 and Toyah Willcox in series 22, and for series 24 in 2026, covered in our Strictly Come Dancing 2026 Cast hub, he returned as a professional without a celebrity partner at launch, performing in the show’s group routines alongside fellow professionals such as Julian Caillon.
Early Life & Background
Neil Jones was born on May 4, 1982, in Münster, West Germany. He began dancing at the age of three, studying ballet, tap and modern dance before moving into Ballroom and Latin, the disciplines in which he would make his name. His early training gave him a versatility that later served him on stage, in competition and on television.
As a competitor, Jones represented Finland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom at international level. His partnership with Katya Jones, whom he would later marry, was one of the most dominant in amateur Latin dance: together they were undefeated as British National Champions four times and won the World Amateur Latin Championship three times.
Career/Journey
Jones first appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in series 14 in 2016, when he performed in the professional group dances and acted as a standby, stepping in when needed. He was not given a celebrity partner that year, but his competitive record made him an obvious long-term addition to the professional company.
His first celebrity partnership came in series 17 in 2019, with former England footballer Alex Scott. The pair became one of the most popular partnerships of the series, reaching week 11 and finishing fifth, and Jones’s choreography for Scott, a complete dance beginner, earned particular praise. In series 19 in 2021 he was partnered with actress Nina Wadia, but the couple were the first eliminated, finishing 15th. He returned in series 22 in 2024 with singer and actress Toyah Willcox, finishing 14th.
For series 24 in 2026, Jones was announced as a returning professional, but he was not paired with a celebrity at launch, joining his fellow troupe professionals in the group numbers instead. Away from Strictly, he has choreographed and performed on stage and television, and his longevity on the BBC show, now spanning a decade, reflects a career built on competitive pedigree as much as on-screen personality.
Facts About Neil Jones
- He started dancing at the age of three.
- He was born in Münster, West Germany.
- He has won 45 dance titles in his competitive career.
- With Katya Jones, he was undefeated as British National Champion four times.
- He married Chyna Mills on July 1, 2026, and their daughter Havana was born in October 2023.
How old is Neil Jones?
Neil Jones is 44 years old. He was born on May 4, 1982, in Münster, West Germany.
Who is Neil Jones’s wife?
Neil Jones is married to Chyna Mills. The couple married on July 1, 2026. He was previously married to fellow dancer Katya Jones from 2013 to 2019.
Who did Neil Jones partner on Strictly Come Dancing in 2026?
Neil Jones did not receive a celebrity partner at the launch of Strictly Come Dancing series 24 in 2026. He returned as a member of the professional troupe.
How many dance titles has Neil Jones won?
Neil Jones has won 45 titles, including eight British National championships, eight Dutch National championships and four World Latin championships.
What is Neil Jones best known for?
Neil Jones is best known as a Strictly Come Dancing professional since 2016, most notably for his series 17 partnership with Alex Scott, with whom he finished fifth.