Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones has shared some heartbreaking personal news with fans in an emotional update.

The 43-year-old who first joined the BBC dancing competition in 2016 has sadly announced the death of his dad.

In a post on Instagram, he opened up about his “final goodbye” earlier this week at his father’s funeral.

Neil posted a series of black and white pictures of his dad which including him smiling by the sea, as well as enjoying a few pints of beer with his son and even a sweet childhood portrait.

Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving professional dancers

Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones says ‘final goodbye’ to his dad

In a touching tribute, the Strictly professional dancer told his 273k followers: “Yesterday I said goodbye to my Dad for the final time, I thought I knew my dad but yesterday I realised I didn’t after hearing so many lovely & funny stories from family and his closest friends, I know he would be smiling looking down with a pint in his hand. Thank you Wendy and everyone for making it such a special day. RIP DAD.”

Many of his Strictly co-stars shared messages of support and said they are “sending so much love” during this difficult time.

2023 glitterball winner and former Coronation Street favourite Ellie Leach wrote: “sending lots of love neil.”

It Takes Two presenter Fleur East commented: “Sending you love Neil! Such a difficult thing to go through. Big hugs.”

Fellow Strictly professional Karen Haur said: “Sending all our love Neil.”

Lioness Kaz Carney who is currently competing on the 2025 series added: “Sending so much love.”

Vicky Pattison replied: “Sending you so much love babe.”

Although Neil is part of the Strictly cast this year and is featuring in many professional dances along with the likes of Nancy Xu and Luba Mushtuk, he wasn’t given a celebrity partner for 2025.

In September he shared on Instagram: “It’s all jokes and giggle and no matter with or without a partner I just love being part of @bbcstrictly so thank you for all your love but come on tell me who’s your favourite couple?”

His last celebrity partner on Strictly was pop star Toyah Wilcox in 2024 – the pair finished in 14th place.