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Strictly Come Dancing’s Neil Jones first competed in 2019 with footballer Alex Scott (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing’s Neil Jones has been celebrating his recent world record achievement.
The professional dancer, who joined the BBC show in 2016, doesn’t have a celebrity partner this series but remains a popular figure among fans.
Over the years, Neil has danced with celebrities such as Alex Scott, Nina Wadia and Toyah Willcox, and has also participated in the Strictly group performances.
Neil recently triumphed in the It Takes Two professional dance challenge, a segment of the spin-off show where professional dancers aim to perform the highest number of samba whisks in 30 seconds.
The challenge was overseen by judge Shirley Ballas and a Guinness World Records adjudicator, who scrutinised each performance to ensure correct technique and disqualified any incorrect steps.
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Janette Manrara made an announcement on It Takes Two(Image: BBC)
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On Thursday’s episode, Neil was declared the winner after achieving an impressive 58 whisks, despite having five moves disqualified.
Reflecting on his victory, he said: “It didn’t feel anything like a normal whisk but I didn’t care. I was thinking about the footwork and the speed and that was it.
“I’ve spent quite a few years being second, it’s got to be my time to be first,” reports Wales Online.
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Kai Widdrington and Neil Jones went head to head(Image: BBC)
He had previously joked that his win would “mean a lot to my daughter”, adding: “That’s what she wants, she said to me, ‘Daddy, I don’t want anything for Christmas, just that, if you can get me that.’ I said, I’ll do my best.”
Following his victory over fellow professional dancer Kai Widdrington, Neil jubilantly lifted both Kai and host Janette Manrara in celebration.
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Fans were ecstatic for him, with one exclaiming: “So pleased for Neil! He finally won something.”
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Neil took home the world record after coming in second place(Image: BBC)
“Very well deserved,” another fan commented, while a third posted: “Just brilliant.”
“Aww delighted for Neil,” another supporter penned, as another remarked: “It’s about damn time. Neil’s proudest #Strictly moment!!!”
One viewer chimed in: “Well done Neil so happy for him getting the record after 3 years in 2nd. Now give him a partner next year.”
