Strictly 2018: Neil Jones unveiled as Brendan Cole’s replacement

The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing is mere weeks away and we are seriously excited.

The professional dancers have been sharing pictures and videos on social media of the crew getting back to business for another season of dancing and it has now been revealed that Neil Jones, hubby of pro dancer Katya, is officially joining the gang.

Neil joined the show alongside Katya as a choreographer and group dancer two years ago. 

A TV insider said he was a shoe-in as ''he has a wicked personality. Producers are lining him up for a star role,'' according to The Sun.

Strictly Come Dancing 2018: Katya Jones' husband Neil 'to replace axed dancer Brendan Cole'

Brendan Cole's spot on the BBC dancing competition is said to be taken over by choreographer Neil Jones, who is the husband of fellow Strictly star Katya… https://t.co/VVdUPdVmSt

— Street Style Daily (@HotStreetStyle) August 11, 2018

Neil will step into the dancing shoes of departed Strictly pro Brendan Cole, who was let go from the hit BBC show earlier this year.

His replacement was confirmed by the BBC1 show’s voiceover artist Alan Dedicoat, who said, “Neil Jones is doing it this year.''

“He’s always been on the show but not coupled with someone, so it’ll be interesting to see how he does.”

Russian Latin champion Katya has been a member of the official pro-dancer line-up since she joined in 2016, stealing the show with politician Ed Balls and going on to nab the glitter ball trophy with actor Joe McFadden last year.

 

Day 1 of @bbcstrictly rehearsals and it’s all started again. It was a pleasure to welcome the new pro dancers to the group but I will still miss @chloehewitt27 and @brendancoleinsta COMMENT what you are most looking forward to seeing on the years Strictly. . . #strictly #dancers #prodancers #rehearsals #mondaymotivation #motivation #fun

A post shared by Neil Jones (@mr_njonesofficial) on Jul 30, 2018 at 11:51am PDT

A TV source said: “Neil has been a choreographer on the show since Katya joined but has always been keen to be partnered with one of the celebrities.''

It seems that Neil has quite a fan-base, with people taking to social media to demand he gets a partner this year.

One said, ''please @bbcstrictly  give Neil Jones a partner this year! #RedHeadsDoItBetter'', while another wrote, ''the media/public: Who will replace Brendan Cole now that he's no longer on Strictly?! Neil Jones: *looks into the camera like he's on The Office*.''

It seems like you have got your wish, folks.

Best of luck Neil, we're rooting for ya!