BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Neil Jones 'just wants to say' as he speaks out after Toyah Wilcox saved from axing

Neil Jones has spoken out in defence of celebrity dance partner Toyah Wilcox after their immediate future on Strictly Come Dancing was decided during the first results show of the series.

It was another spectacular night in the ballroom on Saturday (September 28) as all 15 couples performed their second routines of the 2024 run so far, with their new scores being combined with those received in week one to create a new bumper leaderboard.

It was also the first time that viewers were able to vote in support of their favourites before the first dance-off and elimination of the BBC One dance contest this year.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing confirms first special of 2024 after first shock elimination

Olympic swimmer Tom Dean and professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova become the first couple to be eliminated from the competition this year following a dance-off against Toyah and Neil

Both couples performed their routines from Saturday night again, with Tom and Nadiya performing their Cha Cha to Boogie Wonderland by Earth, Wind and Fire then singer Toyah and Neil performed their Jive to Nutbush City Limits by Ike and Tina Turner.

After both couples danced a second time, the judges delivered their verdicts. Craig Revel Horwood chose to save Toyah and Neil, Motsi Mabuse chose to save Toyah and Neil and Anton Du Beke chose to save Tom and Nadiya.

With two votes for Toyah and Neil, and one vote for Tom and Nadiya, Head Judge Shirley Ballas had the deciding vote and chose to save Toyah and Neil.

Strictly fans were left surprised by the decision but it left Neil speaking out in support of Toyah after the backlash to them being saved. Sharing pictures of the pair in action in the ballroom, the dancer said on Instagram: "Ladies and Gentlemen when you ask me how my Saturday night went."

He then continued: "I just want to say it’s week 2 @toyahofficial is not a dancer but every day she’s improving, each day I tell Toyah, it might not be perfect but you are improving and at the same time you are not losing who you really are and that is what @bbcstrictly is all about. You bring so much joy in our lives and I feel lucky that I have the opportunity to teach and guide you so we can both entertain."

And Neil and Toyah were quickly given support. @flower.samanthahealth said: "Well done Toyah! Such an improvement over last week. Hats off to Neil for his choreography." @ambition_clinic commented: "Well done Neil and Toyah, fabulous entertainment. Let’s go next week."

@wendy_skelton14 wrote: "So happy that it wasn't you going home. We've waited too long for you to have another partner. When Anton didn't save you i was gutted but Shirley done the right thing." @kathy_farrell1965 shared: "So happy for you both...go get movie week!" @amber_jsyy5 added: "So made up you got through. I was screaming at the judges to pick you guys. Well done."