Strictly’s Neil Jones reveals he slept on the streets as a teenager as he urges fans to support the homeless amid the coronavirus pandemic
Neil Jones has revealed that he slept on the streets as a teenager.
The dancer, 38, shared a powerful Instagram post on Tuesday, as he urged his followers to support homeless people – having experienced it firsthand.
Alongside a picture of himself in a sleeping bag, the ballroom expert revealed that he had spent the night sleeping out on his balcony in solidarity, and encouraged others to do the same.
Candid: Neil Jones has revealed that he slept on the streets as a teenager. The dancer, 38, shared a powerful Instagram post on Tuesday, as he urged his fans to support the homeless
Promoting the work of the charity, Depaul UK, that supports the homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged, Neil penned:
‘As you know during lockdown I’ve been lucky to be able to move into my very own flat unfortunately due to COVID-19 many charities have been hit hard and one which was hit hard…
‘@depaul_uk youth homelessness charity who support Vulnerable people who move from place to place, staying on sofas/floors often in unsafe situations facing physical, mental and even sexual abuse and exploitation.
‘Not many people know but as a teen I found myself at one point sleeping on the streets for a short period but because of a charity like DePaul I was able to find a place to stay.’
Doing his bit: Alongside a picture of himself in a sleeping bag, the ballroom expert revealed that he had spent the night sleeping out on his balcony in solidarity
He went on to ask his followers to take part in the charity’s challenge, which sees participants donate money and sleep somewhere other than a bed for the night.
Neil also challenged his ex-wife Katya Jones, fellow Strictly star Oti Mabuse and The Greatest Dancer winners Michael and Jowita to take on the challenge.
Neil found fame when he joined the ensemble troupe for Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.
Take it on: Neil went on to ask his followers to take part in the charity’s challenge, which sees participants donate money and sleep somewhere other than a bed for the night
As the coronavirus pandemic threatens TV shows across the world, Neil recently revealed he’s hopeful that the BBC series will return this year.
Production of the show has been halted, with speculation rife over whether it will return amid social distancing rules as it demands close physical contact from celebrity contestants and professional dancers.
Speaking in an interview with Fubar Radio, the dancer said that there will be a ‘meeting’ to update them on what is happening as so far nothing has been confirmed.
He continued: ‘I think it’s one of these shows where the country needs it. Even if we’re still stuck in isolation, the country wants to see a TV show like that.’
Coming back? Neil found fame when he joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2016. He’s hopeful that the BBC series will return this year. the coronavirus pandemic threatens TV shows