💔🕊️ HUGE LOSS: Strictly Star Neil Jones Shares Heartbreak as He Reveals His Dad Has Passed Away in a Deeply Emotional Post 😢🙏 Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones has opened up about one of the most devastating moments of his life, announcing that his beloved father has passed away — and fans across the world are sending an outpouring of love and support. 💙🌍 In a heartbreaking message shared on social media, Neil described the enormous pain of losing the man who shaped his life, his values, and his passion. He called his dad his “hero,” his “guiding light,” and the person who pushed him to chase his dreams both on and off the dance floor. 🌟🕯️ Friends, fellow Strictly stars, and thousands of followers rushed to comfort him, leaving emotional comments and memories, calling the loss “unimaginable” and “heart-shattering.” Many praised the touching tribute Neil shared alongside a cherished family photo, showing the deep bond they had. 📸🤍 Insiders say Neil’s father was a huge influence on his career, always cheering for him from the sidelines, proud of every step and every achievement. Losing him marks a moment of immense grief not only for Neil, but for everyone who witnessed their close relationship over the years. 🥺 As Neil navigates this painful chapter, supporters are standing firmly beside him — reminding him he’s not alone, and that his father’s legacy will live on through every dance, every performance, and every moment he shares with the world. 🕊️✨

The professional dancer took to social media to share a sweet black and white photo of his late father smiling.

Neil told fans that he and his family attended the funeral yesterday to say a “final goodbye”.

The ballroom star wrote: “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.”

The Strictly star was inundated with messages of support from fans and his BBC co-stars.

Karen Hauer wrote: “Sending all our love Neil.”

Gorka Marquez said: “Sending love Neil.”

Dianne Buswell posted: “Jonsey sending you so much love.”

Neil also shared a string of heartwarming photos of his father throughout his life – including a picture of when he was a little boy.

Neil is a father himself, sharing a son with Love Island star, Chyna Mills.

The pair first met at the end of 2022 after he shamelessly slid into her DMs on social media following her appearance on the popular reality show.

Then just one year later the couple welcome their daughter, Havana.

At the moment Neil and Chyna are living on a boat with their daughter due to delays in house hunting.

Their plans to buy a home together have been put on hold for an undisclosed reason, but they’re making the most out of their unique living situation.

Speaking about the matter on Instagram, Chyna said: “I sold my house so me and Neil could buy something together.

“Neil bought his boat before we got together and now it’s conveniently there for us to stay on while in limbo.

“(Annoyingly) we just haven’t yet found a house we like and I also didn’t want to be in a chain because the process of buying a house is hell.

“So hopefully we find something soon.”

Chyna went on to clarify that it was never the couple’s plan to live on Neil’s boat.

“The plan was never to live on the boat,” she said.

“It was just supposed to be a holiday home and Airbnb for when we aren’t using it.”

Chyna appeared on Love Island back in its eight season.

Though she didn’t stay in the spotlight for long, entering the villa on day 27 and being subsequently dumped from the island on day 35.

Today she works as an influencer, cultivating a community of followers online by embracing motherhood, beauty and self-love.