Strictly Come Dancing star makes 'life' admission after brutal axe

Neil Jones and Toyah Wilcox were the second couple to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2024 after they lost out in the dance-off to Paul Merson and Karen Hauer.

Neil Jones has opened up about his and Toyah Wilcox's recent departure from Strictly Come Dancing, speaking out for the first time since they became the second couple to be eliminated from the BBC One dance competition over the weekend.

In what was a tense moment yet again, the duo found themselves facing elimination during the series celebrated Movie Week.

Toyah was transformed into the wicked sea witch Ursula from The Little Mermaid for the samba to the song Poor Unfortunate Souls, capturing the essence of the Disney classic on stage.

The dance-off was their fate for the second week running, and this time, they faced sports star Paul Merson and his pro partner Karen Hauer during the results show.

Paul and Karen returned with their cha cha to The Magnificent Seven theme leading to a unanimous decision by the judges to save them, bringing an end to Toyah and Neil's journey on the show.

Post-elimination, Toyah took to X, expressing gratitude saying: "Thanks for all your support, it's been a great ride. Thank you to the entire Strictly team for one of the most exciting experiences of my life, and Neil you are my rock xxx."

Following their exit, the couple joined the cast of the Strictly companion programme It Takes Two, reflecting on their participation in the contest and their thoughts on their untimely departure, reports the Manchester Evening News.

In conversation with host Fleur East, 1980s music icon Toyah expressed her disappointment at having to leave the show, saying she was "gutted" but emphasised that being eliminated first wasn't her fate, which meant a great deal to her.

She reflected on the "fantastic time" she had, noting: "I was not off first, which meant a lot to me. I've had the most brilliant life-affirming experience in the last two months, I'm in a good place."

Her dance partner, Neil, assured Toyah of his lasting friendship, telling her that their connection would endure "for life" after sharing so much enjoyment and laughter during practice sessions.

He shared his appreciation for their partnership, saying: "We've had really great conversations as well, and it was so nice to hear you've been waiting so long to do the show and it's brilliant when she came to the show and she asked for me, that meant a lot to me."

Toyah also spoke about her desire to inspire others with her stint on Strictly Come Dancing, especially those who see age as a barrier, hoping to demonstrate that everyone is entitled to a "positive and brilliant experience" every day.

She elaborated on her motivation to defy age-related stereotypes by joining the competition, adding: "It's incredibly important that everyone has a good day every day of their lives.

"I'm 66, I've never been shy about that, and I have to say that Strictly has made me feel so incredibly healthy, which I love.

"But we all deserve every day of our life, no matter what age we are, for it to be a positive and brilliant experience, and if I can put that across to people who are feeling that age is the end, then I've done a good job."

Strictly Come Dancing It Takes Two continues weekdays on BBC One from 6:30pm.

Strictly Come Dancing airs Saturday on BBC One from 6:20pm