STRICTLY Come Dancing’s Neil Jones has been forced to quit as Alex Scott’s dance partner for a second week, with Kevin Clifton stepping in again.
The shock news was announced in this evening’s episode of the show’s sister programme It Takes Two.
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On the BBC2 show, Neil detailed a muscle coming out of his leg, causing devastating injury last week, as he insisted that he would return to the dancefloor soon.
Speaking to host Zoe Ball, he explained: “No, I won’t be dancing tomorrow. I have tried, I am just not ready yet.”
Turning to Alex he added: “Nail the dance, go through, and I am ready for you on Monday morning.”
He and Alex then confirmed that Alex has been rehearsing the dance with Kevin since Wednesday evening.
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At the weekend, 35-year-old Alex performed her and Neil’s routine with eliminated professional Kevin.
Fans argued that Alex was at a disadvantage as Kevin was not familiar with the steps, but she still managed to secure a spot in this weekend’s show.
Meanwhile, Neil, 37, revealed that Alex was the one to have ordered him to focus on his recovery as he thanked Kevin for stepping in just 45 minutes before the live show.
Neil suffered his knee injury just hours before the pair were due to hit the dance floor for the Halloween special.
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Earlier today, fans urged Neil to step back from his role as Alex’s partner as he revealed that he is still on crutches following the accident.
He has been forced to teach the star the American Smooth while using the crutches.
Bowing out yet again will no doubt come as a blow for Neil, with Alex his first celebrity partner since he joined Strictly in 2016.
The news comes just days after contestant Will Bayley, 31, was forced to withdraw from the show.
His painful injury, believed to be a torn knee ligament, was the second forced celebrity withdrawal this year after Jamie Laing pulled out before the series had even begun, with Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher taking his place.
