Published: 6:46 PM EST, January 19, 2024 | Updated: 6:47 PM EST, January 19, 2024

Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones admitted he and his ex-wife Katya never talked about babies in their future.

The dancer, 41, also revealed in an exclusive interview with MailOnline that he and his fiancée Chyna Mills, 24, discussed having children just three months into their romance.

He explained that he and Strictly co-star Katya were always too focused on their careers and dancing to consider starting a family.

Neil was married to Katya for six years before calling it quits in August 2019, following her 2018 kiss with her Strictly partner Seann Walsh.

He and Love Island star Chyna welcomed their first child, daughter Havana, in October, seven months after announcing their engagement and just over a year after going public with their romance in August 2022.

When asked about family plans with Katya, Neil told MailOnline in an interview about his partnership with Burns Pet Nutrition: ‘No, we’ve never really talked about children.

“We were busy with dancing and our careers and stuff like that.”

The sparkly-toed star explained that even though he and Chyna only had baby fever for three months, they didn’t expect the pregnancy to happen so quickly.

He explained that when he and Chyna met, they “hit it off so well” and that he now finds it funny how quickly they got into serious conversation.

“I have so many cousins, and when I met Chyna we hit it off so well,” he added. “And it’s so funny that three months later we both got into that conversation about having a kid and we said, ‘Yeah, let’s try.’

‘We never thought it would happen so quickly. We were both over the moon.”

Neil and Love Island star Chyna welcomed their baby daughter, Havana, in October 2023, shortly after announcing their engagement.

Neil is thrilled about his new arrival, but revealed that balancing his responsibilities as a new dad and his role on Strictly hasn’t been easy.

He revealed to MailOnline that he would normally spend the night in London during shows, but now makes the 200 mile journey every night to get back home to Leeds.

The star also explained that he will only be able to see his daughter once a week during Strictly’s 2024 tour.

‘They will be at home because that’s where they feel most comfortable, but if we have a day off they will come once a week if it’s in Britain.

‘So we do have a date in Glasgow, so they don’t come there, but in the UK they come over, meet me at the hotel, and then we can have a day off together and then go home, so at least we get to see each other once a week and make sure everything is going well.

‘It’s good that we have a few dates when we’re in Leeds, so that’s perfect.’

The dancer explained that while he may be in the public eye, he tries to remind himself that his job is to teach people how to dance.

He revealed that life in the spotlight is easier when he thinks of himself as “a normal person who’s just on a TV show, rather than something bigger than that.”

And as for his daughter’s ambitions, Neil explained that he and Chyna will let Havana decide her future publicly.

He told MailOnline: ‘With Havana we both made the decision that we weren’t going to try to hide her or anything like that because I think it’s harder to do that kind of thing than just saying, you know what, ‘This is our daughter.”

“If she gets older and chooses not to be in the public eye, that’s her choice, but we’ll just continue to live and do what we do now and what we love to do.”

In addition to a baby, Neil’s busy household also includes the couple’s three dogs, Crumble, Chorizo ​​and Zara, which he has slowly trained over the past year to prepare them for life in Havana.

Neil recently teamed up with Burns Pet Nutrition to spread awareness about dog training and training raising awareness about the dangers of overfeeding during cold weather.

Their research found that, according to their owners, a third of dogs’ exercise levels decrease in the winter months.

The main reason for this is that dog owners don’t want to walk their dogs because of the weather (20 percent), while more than half claim it’s their dog that doesn’t like it wet and cold.

Promoting the food company, Neil said: ‘Although I always focus on my own fitness, I have to admit that I don’t always do the same for my dog.

‘With the help of nutritionists and behaviorists at Burns, we’ve come up with five great activities you can try at home to keep you and your dog feeling good and having fun.’

Strictly’s Amy Dowden has revealed which fellow professional from the show has helped her amid her latest ‘nasty’ health blow.

The 32-year-old dancer was rushed to hospital on Monday after experiencing renewed fears following her battle with breast cancer.

The star, who completed her chemotherapy treatment three weeks ago, said she was diagnosed with a blood clot in her lung but is recovering well.

Now she has told how Strictly’s Neil Jones rushed to her rescue after she needed injections for blood clots following a hospital stay.

She has been taking blood-thinning tablets during her treatment since August, but since the clot in the lung she has switched to stronger injections.

Speaking in her Instagram Story on Sunday after attending Saturday’s Strictly live show in London, she said: ‘So a big shout out to Mr Neil Jones who helped me out last night because he’s like a real beast.

“I’ve had so many people message me and say, ‘Yeah, they’re nasty, aren’t they?’

Speaking about her health in general, she added: ‘I’ve got two blood clots in my arm, and now that I’ve had another blood clot in my lung, I obviously need something stronger.

“So I started with the shots, which I’ve gotten used to,” she said, before admitting she was “rubbish” about giving herself jabs.

Her sweet message to Neil comes just a few months after the 41-year-old showed his support for his Strictly pal.

He said, “I know for everyone there’s going to be people calling and all that, so especially with Amy I just send her a little message every now and then and just say, ‘If you need anything just let us know, we are ‘always there for you’.”

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the Strictly Come Dancing star detailed her ‘nightmare week’ after being admitted to hospital with a blood clot.

In a video, Amy told her fans: ‘Unfortunately I had another nightmare this week. It seems like it will never end…

‘On Monday I was rushed to hospital and on Tuesday I found out I had another blood clot in my lung.

‘They were very concerned that the clot would travel to my heart or affect my heart. Fortunately, that is not the case.

‘You can see that I often had drops all over my hands. Obviously this is a shock and I’m really upset now because I was on blood thinners anyway because of the blood clots in my arm.

‘And now I have a blood clot in my lung, obviously because it’s so close to my heart, that’s a risk.

‘I am now receiving blood-thinning injections, which are unpleasant and really hurt my stomach.

“I’m just really frustrated, a lot of plans this week and it seems like as soon as I get it back, you know something’s coming.

‘I think we get it in our heads that once we’re done with chemo, that’s it, but you learn that that’s really not the case. Chemo stays in your body for six weeks and I only finished treatment three weeks ago.

“So yeah, I just wanted to give you all a heads up, so I’m home now after a few days in the hospital.”

It came after Amy shared the sad news that she had broken her foot, just days after raising the alarm as she completed her chemotherapy treatment at the end of November.

Amy posted a photo of her foot strapped into a boot as she shared her devastation over the situation in a new post on her Instagram page.

She wrote: ‘Not the week I was hoping for since I finished chemo. Port out but unfortunately got a boot due to a broken foot.

“Absolutely gutted and heartbroken as this means plans for me to dance at the Strictly Ballroom this year are no longer possible.

‘This is what has kept me going these past few months. 2023 is definitely not my year, roll on 2024 I say!’

She recently dazzled in a striking photo shoot for Women’s Health Britain while opening up about her breast cancer diagnosis as the magazine’s December cover star.

She was the epitome of confidence in the glamorous spread as she spoke about the life-changing ordeal she has faced since her diagnosis in May.

The star was seen in a series of stunning new images as she posed without her wig – hoping to inspire others in her situation.

The dancer added: “I just want to be treated like normal. When I walk out and I have my headscarf on, I don’t want any sympathetic looks or pity on me – I’m Amy

‘Sometimes people don’t know how to handle it. Just ask how I am – I will answer you. We don’t want you to feel sorry for us. We embrace it. Stand strong with us…Don’t look at me so pityingly – I don’t need it!’

Amy underwent a mastectomy in July after her initial diagnosis in May.

Speaking about her husband and former dance partner Ben Jones – who was there from the start with her Crohn’s diagnosis – she added: ‘Nothing will ever break us again!’

Amy beamed for photos with doctors and nurses at the Sheldon Unit as she rang the traditional end-of-chemo treatment bell to celebrate last month.

The dancer was all smiles as she was surprised by family and friends at the hospital who wore matching pink T-shirts and bought her balloons, flowers and cake.

The BBC star admitted it was her ‘toughest journey yet’ as she opened up about completing chemotherapy and thanked everyone for their support.

She wrote: ‘I still can’t believe I had my last chemo on Thursday. The relief is like no other. But without these guys I wouldn’t have made it.

“Honestly, the Sheldon units are real heroes. Selfless, hardworking, caring team who put all their patients first and always kept me at ease when I had my breakdowns, doubts and worries, oh and of course listened to all my stories (mainly dancing). I will be forever grateful to all of you!

‘But also my family and friends. You know who you are. The chemo club, to help Ben and myself with anything and everything. My parents who came to stay and help with every session.

‘I loved that you were all there with T-shirts, balloons, flowers and cake when I rang that chemo bell! THANK YOU!

‘My toughest journey yet, but I did it. Honestly, a lot to say thank you to, but it is so appreciated. All your love and support during this stage has been beyond amazing and I will never be able to thank you enough.”

Ahead of the big day, Amy admitted she had been “crying all morning” as she arrived for her eighth and final chemo treatment with her husband Ben.

She later shared a photo of herself and two others who had also completed their chemotherapy treatment.

By Kirsten Murray for Mailonline

Published: 8:46 PM EST, December 2, 2023 | Updated: 8:48 PM EST, December 2, 2023

Former Strictly Come Dancing winner Kelvin Fletcher made a surprise return to the show during The Blackpool Tower Ballroom special on Saturday.

The actor, 39, triumphed in the BBC dance competition in 2019 when he was partnered with former show professional Oti Mabuse, 33.

Ex Emmerdale star Kelvin appeared on screen this weekend alongside host Claudia Winkleman, 51, after he was invited to announce the series voting terms and conditions.

Kelvin looked delighted to be back on screen and turned to hug show professionals Graziano di Prima and Neil Jones.

As he read the terms, Jail House Rock by Elvis played in the background, with Claudia asking him: ‘That was your Jive, you did it in here. Do you remember?’

The routine impressed the show judges after he and Oti performed it in Blackpool during his series, with the panel awarding them 39 out of 40 points.

He told Claudia: ‘What a place and what a show. We still watch it as a family, we absolutely love it.’

Kelvin appeared just after Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell performed their Jive to Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham!

The former soap star told them: ‘Well done Bobby, that was absolutely fantastic. It’s great to be here.’

Strictly Come Dancing fans were delighted during Saturday’s Blackpool special as they gushed that Bobby Brazier finally got the score he deserved. 

The actor, 20, and his pro partner Dianne Buswell, 34, pulled out all the stops as they opened the show with their Jive to Wake Me Up Before You Go Go by Wham!.

They were joined for their upbeat number by a whole host of backing dancers as they launched into the complicated routine at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

And the judges were left seriously impressed as they awarded Bobby a total of 35 points for his energetic and entertaining routine.

Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all scored the EastEnders star nine points, while Craig Revel Horwood followed closely behind with an eight.

Viewers were quick to take to X – formerly known as Twitter – to heap praise on the scores, after weeks of accusing the judges for under-marking Bobby and Dianne.

They gushed that Bobby finally got the result he ‘deserved’ from the judges, particularly from Craig, who is known for his strict criticism.

One wrote: ‘Finally getting the score they deserve I’m so proud,’ while another said: ‘Craig giving Bobby and Dianne an 8????? I never thought I’d see the dayyyyy.’

A third commented: ‘What they’ve deserved for weeks,’ and a fourth added: ’35 for Bobby! His new high score.’

‘You’ve never been to Blackpool before, but you brought everything to this dance! I’m so proud of you… it had a great chemistry, very, very entertaining!’

‘I loved it from start to finish, your energy was incredible, you kept it from start to finish… that was just epic, I absolutely loved it!’

‘It was a little bit stompy at the top, and I thought it was very difficult choreography for you, but I have to say, you did brilliantly!’

‘That’s how you open a show! I believe it was your personal best, I was really impressed with your standing leg… this is how we move from now on!’

A whole host of the stars’ loved ones headed up to Blackpool to show their support for the hotly-anticipated special.

Dianne took to her Instagram ahead of the show to gush over her boyfriend Joe Sugg as he headed up to Blackpool to watch her.

She shared a snap of her dressed up in a yellow outfit as she wrapped her arm around Joe as they posed in Blackpool Tower. 

Ahead of Saturday’s show, it was claimed that Bobby has a new girlfriend who would be heading to Blackpool to watch him, but his reported romance was not addressed during the live broadcast.

The EastEnders actor, 20, has reportedly been in a secret relationship with Boadecia Evans for the past few months.

She was thought to be heading to Blackpool to cheer on Bobby, according to The Sun, but she seemingly wasn’t shown on camera in the crowds during the live broadcast. It is not known whether she attended the show.

A source told the publication ahead of the show: ‘Bobby has been secretly dating Boadecia for ages. She’s been supporting him from behind the scenes but will be going to Blackpool this weekend to cheer him on.

‘She doesn’t particularly want to be in the public eye but Bobby means a lot to her and they are best friends over anything else.

MailOnline contacted Bobby and Boadecia’s representatives for comment at the time.

EastEnders actor Bobby, known for his role as Freddie Slater, has left an array of sweet comments on Boadecia’s recent Instagram posts.

On a glamorous post she shared to the platform last month, Bobby commented: ‘She’s a lady,’ followed by a queen and a love heart emoji.

Boadecia replied to his comment, writing: ‘@bobbybrazier what a man what a man what a mighty good man.’

In February, he also commented a string of love heart eye emojis underneath a stunning mirror selfie of Boadecia.

On last week’s show, Bobby hinted that he had a new romance in his life as he told host Claudia Winkleman on Strictly about someone he ‘shares a bed with’.

He was waiting for results of his American Smooth with Dianne when Claudia, 51, asked him how he practises his moves.

He said: ‘I woke up one morning doing this [Bobby flung both arms into the air].

‘I woke myself up doing that. The week before, the person I shared a bed with, I turned and I said this is the…’

The star stopped when he realised he had given himself away, while Dianne, 34, and Claudia laughed at his discomfort.

Claudia then joked: ‘Who wants to pull on that string?’ With Bobby retorting, ‘Anyway!’ In a desperate attempt to move on. 

Bobby has previously been linked to model Liberty Love, but the pair then split up in 2022 after an on-off relationship.