Neil Jones to be a 'back-up dancer' on Strictly Come Dancing

Neil Jones is reportedly set to be a back-up dancer on this year\'s \'Strictly Come Dancing\'.

The 38-year-old professional star is said to be "devastated" about being handed a reduced role by BBC bosses, while his ex-wife Katya Jones has been tipped to form the first-ever same-sex couple alongside Nicola Adams.

A show insider told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "After a lot of discussion it was decided that Neil will be dropped from the line-up of professional dancers, so he won\'t be partnered with a contestant.

"He will still be part of the show, but only in group ­routines. So viewers won\'t see much of him any more."

Last year, Neil was partnered with former England football star Alex Scott.

But he\'s now been handed a lesser role by the show\'s bosses.

The source said: "It\'s tough for Neil to take this news. He only had one year as a competing pro and now he\'s a background dancer once again.

"This year he will watch Katya be the centre of attention while he sits on the sidelines."

Earlier this month, an insider claimed Katya urged \'Strictly Come Dancing\' bosses to partner her with Nicola.

The 31-year-old star - who was caught kissing her \'Strictly\' partner Seann Walsh in 2018 - is eager to form a same-sex pairing with the former Olympian.

The insider explained: "Katya has been telling everyone on the show how keen she is to be paired with Nicola.

"She\'s a huge believer in girl power and thinks they\'d make a great team and be a hit with the viewers at home."