Neil Jones finally clinched a long-awaited victory in Strictly Come Dancing’s annual Pro Challenge, smashing his way to a Guinness World Record live on It Takes Two.
Ahead of this weekend’s semi-final, the BBC spin-off show saw the professionals battle once again for the title awarded to whoever can perform the highest number of a set dance step in just 30 seconds.
For years, the competition has become something of a subplot among Strictly loyalists, with fans backing their favourite pros to out-kick or out-whisk their colleagues.
Previous challenges have seen pros attempt rapid-fire Charleston kicks and non-stop Cha Cha time steps, with Kai Widdrington crowned champion last year.
Neil Jones has been part of Strictly’s professional lineup since 2016
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BBC
This time, it was all down to samba whisks and early in the series it looked as though Nadiya Bychkova had sealed the win with an impressive 53.
However, Thursday night’s episode delivered a showdown viewers had been waiting years for: Neil Jones versus Kai Widdrington.
Mr Jones, who has fallen agonisingly short three years in a row, admitted he desperately wanted the title, not for himself, but for his daughter.
“She said, ‘Daddy, I don’t want anything for Christmas, just that,’” he told host Janette Manrara.
Kai Widdrington was crowned champion of the challenge last year
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BBC
Ms Manrara quickly turned to Mr Widdrington and teased: “No pressure — if this goes wrong, you’re ruining a child’s Christmas.”
Both men then took on the challenge with an adjudicator counting every single step and disqualification.
Mr Widdrington’s total initially looked strong: 59 attempted steps, but 19 were ruled invalid.
Mr Jones however, finally had his moment. He delivered 63 steps, with only five disqualified, leaving him with a winning total of 58.
After years of trailing behind other pros, he erupted with joy, lifting both Mr Widdrington and Ms Manrara off their feet in celebration.
Neil Jones delivered 63 steps, with only five disqualified, leaving him with a winning total of 58
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BBC
“I knew it all along!” he laughed, visibly thrilled as Guinness World Records adjudicator Will Munford appeared via video to officially confirm the achievement.
Mr Jones joked: “It’s taken four years for me to hear that from Will. Thank you — I love you.”
Viewers immediately flooded social media to congratulate the long-serving Strictly professional, many saying his win was overdue.
“Well done Neil so happy for him getting the record after 3 years in 2nd,” one fan wrote.
Neil Jones was tense in the run up to his turn
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Another posted: “At last @Mr_NJones gets his world record, congratulations Neil #Strictly #ItTakesTwo.”
A third added: “Well done Neil on your new Samba Whisk world record. #ItTakesTwo,” while another viewer said: “Well-deserved record. Be proud.”
The Pro Challenge has become a beloved part of It Takes Two, allowing the professionals a rare moment competing against each other rather than guiding their celebrity partners.
And this year’s result struck a chord with fans who have watched Mr Jones persist year after year only to fall short.
Kai Widdrington and Neil Jones celebrated together after Mr Jones win
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BBC
The timing of his win lands during a dramatic week for the show, with only four couples remaining in the race for the Glitterball trophy.
This year’s semi-finalists, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, Karen Carney and Amber Davies, are preparing for the most demanding weekend of the competition, each performing two routines.
But for Strictly die-hards, the dancers triumph has become an unexpected highlight of the series, a feel-good win in what many fans described online as an increasingly unpredictable year.
Mr Jones, who has been part of Strictly’s professional lineup since 2016, has enjoyed many memorable moments on the show, including reaching the final with Alex Scott in 2019.