Strictly's Neil Jones sets sights on new role after missing out on celebrity partner

Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones quipped he's got his sights on a new role.

The BBC professional dancer has missed out on a celebrity partner in eight out of the 10 series so far, with it yet to be confirmed whether he will get a chance to dance with a celebrity this year.

Ahead of the launch show tonight, Neil chatted about his time on the show so far, before joking that he could follow in the footsteps of Anton du Beke and become a judge on the show in two decades time.

Asked what he thinks the future of the show will be, he said: "I honestly think it's still going to be here. It's going to keep growing and developing. I can't imagine myself still dancing on the show in 20 years' time, as much as I would love to, I don't know if my body will handle that. That would make me 62, you never know! Maybe I’ll be a judge by then.."

Whether he's dancing with his fellow professionals or with a celebrity partner, Neil says he never feels nerves - just excitement.

Speaking about how he feels when he steps on the dancefloor, he said: "I wouldn't say it's nerves, it's excitement. At that point if you're going out there to do a group dance you know this is the last time we're doing it.

"If it’s with a partner, I just want to make sure they’re okay and comfortable. I’ll let them know it’s not the end of the world so go out and have fun."

Neil described it as "incredible" that he'd been on the show for so long. Discussing the show's success, he said: "It’s brilliant. I’ve been around the show for about 10 years so it’s incredible to be a part of this for that long."

Asked how he prepares for the live shows, he added: "I'm always focusing on the steps, so I'll be having fun with everyone but mainly thinking about the steps."

*Strictly Come Dancing returns tonight on BBC One for its launch show.