Strictly Come Dancing legend James Jordan was furious that Neil Jones missed out on collaborating with a celebrity on a new series for the fourth time in six years.
Neil never made the main lineup this year after BBC bosses brought in three new foreign dancers – Italian stallion Vito Coppola, Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas from Cyprus and Chinese national champion Carlos Gu.
James, 44, took to Twitter to express his frustration with the show and claimed the decision was “very strange”.
Not happy: Strictly Come Dancing legend James Jordan was furious at Neil Jones for missing out on collaborating with a celebrity on a new series for the fourth time in six years
One fan asked ballroom dancer James: “Why is Neil missing out again?”
James, who is married to Strictly star Ola Jordan, replied: “Very strange – such a shame they aren’t capitalizing on the talent we have in this country. Especially if he has the best pedigree.
‘Nothing against the foreign dancers as my wife was one of them BUT too few locals so why not Neil???’
Every year on Strictly not all pros get a pairing as there are more professional dancers than celebrities. This year there are 20 professionals and 15 celebrities.
Web have reached out to BBC and Neil Jones representatives for comment.
On the sidelines: Neil never made the main lineup this year after BBC bosses brought in three new foreign dancers
Furious: James, 44, took to Twitter to express his frustration with the show and claimed the decision was ‘very strange’
After joining Strictly six years ago, Neil – who holds many titles including British, British, Dutch, European and Latino world champions – was paired in 2021 with EastEnders star Nina Wadia and BBC Sports’ Alex Jones in 2019.
Neil is British but was born in Munster, Germany and started dancing at a local ballet school when he was just three years old.
The Strictly Come Dancing pairings were announced on Friday’s pre-taped launch show, which was pushed back from its previous broadcast date due to the Queen’s funeral.
Champion: After joining Strictly six years ago, Neil was paired with EastEnders star Nina Wadia in 2021 and BBC Sports’ Alex Jones in 2019 (pictured with Kataya Jones).
The much-anticipated launch show was originally scheduled to air on September 17, but was postponed as it came just two days before Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, which took place on September 19.
For the first time in Strictly history, there will be two same-sex pairings in one series, with reigning champion Giovanni taking to the dance floor with DJ Richie Anderson.
Elsewhere, Helen Skelton is set to take the stage with Gorka Marquez after being added to the show at the last minute, while Katya Jones teams up with footballer Tony Adams.
Other stars set to appear in the final season include comedian Ellie Taylor and Coronation Street star Kym Marsh.
The fifteen couples worked hard in the training room and their first performance aired during the first Strictly live show on Saturday, with the judging panel giving each dance out of 40 points.
The couples will then give a second performance the following week, when public voting opens, before a results show on Sunday showing which two couples received the fewest votes and will have to dance off to compete.
The judges then decide which couple they want to save, and the other couple is eliminated.
Making History: For the first time in Strictly history, there will be two same-sex pairings in one series, with reigning champion Giovanni taking to the dance floor with DJ Richie Anderson
Returning judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke dusted off their paddles.
While viewers were no doubt saddened not to see show favorites Aljaz Skorjanec and Oti Mabuse, both of whom left Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year.
This series also introduced four new pros, European Cup winner Vito Coppola, China national champion Carlos Gu, former British U21 national champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas.
During Friday’s launch, the four professionals were officially introduced to viewers through a pre-filmed cinematic dance routine.
Campaign: It comes after James spoke about Stoptober – an NHS-backed campaign calling on smokers to join the thousands of people quitting this October
It comes after James spoke about Stoptober – an NHS-backed campaign calling on smokers to join the thousands of people quitting this October
The Strictly star revealed: “I consider myself a confident person in most areas of my life but have always stalled with smoking so I figured I couldn’t quit. I smoked for 27 years.
“My journey to quitting has shown me that I am more capable than I thought thanks to the support of my own family and friends and the professional help I sought out.
“Quitting smoking can improve your health, quality of life and save you money. I am so glad I took this step and had the opportunity to speak to the brilliant experts to reassure myself and others that quitting smoking is possible, even if you have been a smoker for decades.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2022: who are the couples?
HELEN SKELTON AND GORKA MARQUEZ
Helen Skelton and Gorka Marquez
Age of the star: 39
Profession: TV and radio station
Helen says: “I’m really looking forward to embarking on a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can’t wait for me to get started.
ELLIE SIMMONDS AND NIKITA KUZMIN
Ellie Simmonds and Nikita Guzman
Age of the star: 27
Profession: Former athlete
Ellie says, “Being asked to join the Strictly family is just so exciting and I can’t wait, it’s going to be so much fun.”
ELLIE TAYLOR AND JOHN RADEBE
Ellie Taylor and John Radebe
Age of the star: 38
Occupation: comedian
Ellie says, “Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of Strictly 2022!’
FLEUR EAST AND VITO COPPOLA
Fleur East and Vito Coppola
Age of the star: 34
Profession: singer
Fleur says, “I’m equally nervous and excited to be a part of this year’s Strictly line-up. I look forward to learning new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience.”
JAMES BYE AND AMY DOWDEN
James Bye and Amy Dowden
Age of the star: 38
Occupation: EastEnders actor
James says, “I’m not known for my flapping or sparkling toes — in fact, my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing, but it’s an honor to be asked and I’ll do my best.”
JAYDE ADAMS AND KAREN HAUER
Jayde Adams and Karen Hauer
Age of the star: 37
Occupation: comedian
Jayde says, “I’ve been a huge fan of the show for years. I feel like I’m watching myself in a dream and can’t believe I manifested this.
TYLER WEST AND DIANNE BUSWELL
Tyler West and Dianne Buswell
Age of the star: 26
Profession: Radio DJ
Tyler says, “It’s a show that means so much to me and my family, and I can’t wait to get some serious dancing on this shiny dance floor…with a side full of sequins.”
HAMZA YASSIN AND JOWITA PRZYSTAL
Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal
Age of the star: 35
Profession: wildlife cameraman and moderator
Hamza says, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be on Strictly 2022. Never in a million years would I have thought I’d be on such a cool show.”
RICHIE ANDERSON AND GIOVANNI PERNICE
Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice
Age of the star: 34
Profession: radio presenter
Richie says: “This is a dream come true! I can’t wait to slip on these glitters and sequins and dance the world’s most famous dance floor!’
KYM SWAMP AND GRAZIANO DI PRIMA
Kym Marsh and Graziano di Prima
Age of the star: 46
Occupation: Coronation Street star and presenter
Kym says, “I’m so happy they made it this year! I’m a huge fan of the show and can’t believe I’ll be watching from home in my pajamas and actually dancing in front of the judges in a glitter dress.
MATT GOSS AND NADIYA BYCHKOVA
Matt Goss and Nadiya Bychkova
Age of the star: 53
Profession: singer
Matt says: “I was retired, I come and work and then go back to America. I thought it was time for me to come home and get out of my way.
MOLLY RAAFORD AND CARLOS GU
Molly Rainford and Carlos Gu
Age: 21
Profession: singer
Molly says, “I already know it’s going to be an experience of a lifetime and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the Strictly family who I’ll be sharing it with.”
WILL MELLOR AND NANCY XU
Will Mellor and Nancy Xu
Age of the star: 46
Profession: actor
Will says: “I know it’s going to be a big challenge, but that’s what life is about. It’s my mom’s favorite show too and she’s had a really tough few years so I’m doing it for her too. Bring it on!’
TONY ADAMS AND KATYA JONES
Tony Adams and Katya Jones
Age of the star: 55
Profession: Retired footballer and manager
Tony says: “To say I’m excited is an understatement – the allure of the sequins and the reputation of salsa make me trade in my battered old football boots for a pair of Strictly Soft shoes.”
KAYE ADAMS AND KAI WIDDRINGTON
Kaye Adams and Kai Widdington
Age of the star: 59
Profession: TV presenter
Kaye says: “I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties unforgettable and I can’t think of a better way than to show the world my two left feet. Pray for me!’