“I used those bad times to push myself to succeed:” Strictly star Neil Jones reveals he was inspired to dance after a homeless charity “gave him a place to live and got him off the streets.”
Neil Jones revealed he became homeless in Finland when he was younger as he detailed how he “used those bad times” to find success.
The 40-year-old Strictly Come Dancing pro found himself at a turning point at just 16 after moving away from home to pursue a dancing career.
Unable to pay the bills, the BBC star ended up on the streets in a vulnerable position before a local charity helped him find accommodation.
‘They got me off the streets’: Neil Jones revealed he became homeless in Finland when he was younger as he detailed how he ‘used those bad times’ to find success
Speaking for a new initiative on behalf of homeless charity Centrepoint, Neil detailed how he “overcame the challenges” and used them to further his passion for dancing.
He said: “My breakthrough came when a homeless organization offered me safe housing and took me off the streets so I could focus on my dancing.
“Since then, I’ve used those bad times to push myself to succeed.”
‘I used those lows to propel myself to success’: The Strictly Come Dancing pro, 40, found himself at the breaking point aged just 16 after moving away from home to pursue a dancing career follow
Opening up: When he found he couldn’t pay the bills, the BBC star ended up in a vulnerable position on the streets before a local charity helped him find accommodation
The world champion dancer, who has won 45 titles so far, has only recently opened up about his experiences as a homeless person and didn’t even tell his own mother about it until two years ago.
It comes as Neil was spotted leaving a London studio after a busy first day of rehearsals for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour.
He kept it casual in black sweatpants and trainers while pulling up the hood of his dark sweater.
Incredible: Speaking for a new initiative on behalf of homeless charity Centrepoint, Neil explained how he “overcame the challenges” and used them to further his passion for dancing
Homeless: The world champion dancer, who has won 45 titles so far, has only recently opened up about his experience of being homeless and didn’t even tell his own mother about it until two years ago
The BBC pro was joined by co-star Amy Dowden, who kept everyone smiling as she showed off her toned waist in a beige crop top and long black skirt.
The 32-year-old beauty kept warm in dark tights and added a green flannel shirt over the number while lugging her belongings around in a large backpack.
Amy rocked a pair of black Nike trainers with the ensemble, while carrying a crossbody bag as well as a padded coat.
The star swept back her highlighted tresses in a chic updo while carrying a hot drink after the busy day of rehearsals.
It comes as Neil and Amy Dowden (pictured) were seen leaving a London studio on Monday after a busy first day of rehearsals for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour
Chic: The BBC pro smiled as she flashed her toned waist in a beige crop top and long black skirt
Meanwhile, Dianne Buswell wowed in metallic gold skinny leggings, which she paired with a coordinating long sleeve top and vest.
The Australian dancer, 33, let her long red locks loose as she carried a large designer bag over her shoulder while exiting the studio in black lace-up boots.
The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour kicks off their arena tour in Birmingham on January 20th before concluding in Glasgow on February 12th.
Out and about: The star swept her highlighted tresses back in a chic updo while staying warm under a green flannel shirt and fur coat
Wow: Meanwhile, Dianne Buswell, 33, wowed in metallic gold skinny leggings, which she paired with a coordinating long-sleeve top and vest