Strictly Come Dancing 2024: Neil Jones dealt devastating blow hours before first elimination


Strictly Come Dancing's Toyah Wilcox and Neil Jones have been hit with a devastating setback just hours before the first elimination of the show. The pair are tipped for an early departure from the BBC contest, according to the latest odds from bookmakers.

Betway spokesperson, Chad Yeomans, told Express.co.uk: "After Toyah Wilcox scored just 12 points on Strictly's opening night, she's now the 7/4 favourite to leave the competition first.

He continued: "Following closely behind, former footballer Paul Merson is 3/1, and TV presenter Nick Knowles is 5/1, which means both men are at risk this weekend of being booted from the ballroom!"

He added: "Meanwhile, comedian Chris McCausland is stealing the spotlight, with his odds to win the show slashed from 10/1 to 7/2, making him the joint-favourite alongside Tasha Ghouri.

"Chris dazzled the audience with his first performance, and his natural charm and wit have vaulted him into serious contention for the Glitterball trophy!"

Toyah Wilcox and Neil Jones are at risk of being eliminated first
Toyah Wilcox and Neil Jones are at risk of being eliminated first -Credit:BBC

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Despite a warm reception from the audience following their routine last week, Toyah and Neil failed to win over the judges. Judge Craig Revel Horwood began the feedback by saying: "For me, it lacked aggression. It really did, you were leaping around.

"This is like a prowling dance, you should be in your knees and I felt like you were being lifted, you went off the wrong foot a couple of times as well, we lost timing, we lost connection," reports Express.

As boos erupted from the audience, Motsi Mabuse interjected: "Listen, Craig, I feel like this dance has never met Toyah. Even Neil didn't know what was happening.

Toyah Wilcox and Neil Jones will take to the dancefloor on Saturday
Toyah Wilcox and Neil Jones will take to the dancefloor on Saturday -Credit:BBC

"I am going, I am going, nobody is going to stop me, not even Craig. You were pushing him, I saw Neil at one point lifting you so those legs don't move."

"Her feet were nowhere near the floor, Motsi," Craig Revel Horwood cut in, only for Shirley Ballas to add her thoughts: "Well actually I think it does matter and I think what Craig said was absolutely right. Please hold her hand while I deliver this message.

"You have the most competitive spirit, I want to say that first of all, I think you came out here and you wanted to give it your all and you did your best."

"Unfortunately, less is more, and poor Neil looked like he was going for a walk in the park. I have danced with Neil and he's beautiful to dance with so we need listening skills, we need to calm it a little bit," the head judge added.

Strictly Come Dancing will be back on BBC One this Saturday.