Strictly Come Dancing's Neil Jones goes to the gym to try to keep up with the other professionals on the show.
Neil Jones
The 39-year-old dancer first appeared on the Latin and ballroom show in 2017, and claims he now indulges in workouts on top of gruelling training sessions to keep up.
He said: "All the other guys, like Gorka and Giovanni, they’re all young. Even while we’re doing the show and training, I still go to the gym in the morning as well."
For the current series, Neil replaced Anton Du Beke, 55, as the most senior member of the professionals - after Anton took Bruno Tonioli's seat on the judging panel.
Neil told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "I’m now the oldest of the male pros. I’ve stepped into Anton’s shoes now he’s gone to the judges. So I’m turning 40 next year and I just wanted to try and get myself in better condition.
"So I’ve got to be taking care of myself a lot more. I’m definitely being more active, so I was doing a lot of wakeboarding and wake surfing.”
Neil also spoke of how he always wanted to follow in the footsteps of Anton, and quipped that now, as the oldest, he will be taking inspiration from his predecessor's wardrobe.
He said: "I'm going to be the salesman of 'Strictly' now!
"I always remember watching Anton walking in with his shirt and tie, and he’d come in with his cup of tea. I think I have to start coming in with shirts and ties as well more often.”
For the 19th series of the Saturday night favourite, Neil is partnered with former 'EastEnders' star Nina Wadia, 52.
Nina - who played Zainab Masood in the BBC soap - said: "He thinks we’re going to get to the semi finals. I hope he’s right because I’m really enjoying myself.”
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