Strictly’s Neil Jones reveals he was inspired to dance after being homeless

‘I’ve used those low times to push me to succeed:’ Strictly star Neil Jones reveals he was inspired to dance after a homeless charity ‘gave him a place to stay and got him off the streets’

Neil Jones revealed he was left homeless in Finland when he was younger as he detailed how he ‘used those low times’ to find success. 

The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 40, found himself at breaking point when he was just 16 after moving away from home to pursue a dancing career. 

When he found himself unable to pay the bills, the BBC star ended up on the streets in a vulnerable position before a local charity helped him find accommodation. 

‘They got me off the streets’: Neil Jones revealed he was left homeless in Finland when he was younger as he detailed how he ‘used those low times’ to find success

Speaking for a new initiative on behalf of homeless charity Centrepoint, Neil detailed how he ‘overcame the challenges’ and used them to fuel his passion for dancer. 

He said: ‘My breakthrough moment was when a homeless organisation offered me safe accommodation and got me off the streets so I could focus on my dancing.

‘Since then, I’ve used those low times to push me to succeed.’

'I've used those lows to push me to succeed': The Strictly Come Dancing pro, 40, found himself at breaking point at just age 16 after moving away from home to pursue a dancing career

‘I’ve used those lows to push me to succeed’: The Strictly Come Dancing pro, 40, found himself at breaking point at just age 16 after moving away from home to pursue a dancing career

Opening up: When he found himself unable to pay the bills, the BBC star ended up on the streets in a vulnerable position before a local charity helped him find accommodation

Opening up: When he found himself unable to pay the bills, the BBC star ended up on the streets in a vulnerable position before a local charity helped him find accommodation

The World Champion dancer, who has won 45 titles so far, only recently opened up about his experience being homeless and didn’t even tell his own mum until two years ago.  

It comes as Neil was seen departing a London studio following a busy first day of rehearsals for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour. 

He kept casual in a pair of black jogging bottoms and trainers as he pulled the hood up on his dark jumper. 

Incredible: Speaking for a new initiative on behalf of homeless charity Centrepoint, Neil detailed how he 'overcame the challenges' and used them to fuel his passion for dancer

Incredible: Speaking for a new initiative on behalf of homeless charity Centrepoint, Neil detailed how he ‘overcame the challenges’ and used them to fuel his passion for dancer

Homeless: The World Champion dancer, who has won 45 titles so far, only recently opened up about his experience being homeless and didn't even tell his own mum until two years ago

Homeless: The World Champion dancer, who has won 45 titles so far, only recently opened up about his experience being homeless and didn’t even tell his own mum until two years ago

The BBC professional was joined by co-star Amy Dowden who was all smiles as she flashed her toned midriff in a beige crop top and long black skirt. 

The beauty, 32, kept warm in dark tights and added a green flannel shirt over the top of the number as she toted her belongings around in a large rucksack. 

Amy rocked a pair of black Nike trainers with the ensemble as she carried a crossbody bag as well as a padded coat. 

The star swept her highlighted tresses back in a chic up do while carrying a hot beverage following the busy day of rehearsing. 

It comes as Neil and Amy Dowden (pictured) was seen departing a London studio following a busy first day of rehearsals for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour on Monday

It comes as Neil and Amy Dowden (pictured) was seen departing a London studio following a busy first day of rehearsals for the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour on Monday

Chic: The BBC professional was all smiles as she flashed her toned midriff in a beige crop top and long black skirt

Home time: Amy, 32, rocked a pair of black Nike trainers with the ensemble as she carried a crossbody bag as well as a padded coat.

Chic: The BBC professional was all smiles as she flashed her toned midriff in a beige crop top and long black skirt 

Meanwhile Dianne Buswell wowed in metallic gold tight leggings which she teamed with a coordinated long sleeve top and gilet. 

The Australian dancer, 33, left her long red tresses loose as she carried a large designer bag over her shoulder while departing the studio in black lace up boots. 

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour kicks off it’s arena tour on January 20 in Birmingham before concluding on February 12 in Glasgow. 

Out and about: The star swept her highlighted tresses back in a chic up do while keeping warm under a green flannel shirt and fur coat

Out and about: The star swept her highlighted tresses back in a chic up do while keeping warm under a green flannel shirt and fur coat

Wow: Meanwhile Dianne Buswell, 33, wowed in metallic gold tight leggings which she teamed with a coordinated long sleeve top and gilet

Wow: Meanwhile Dianne Buswell, 33, wowed in metallic gold tight leggings which she teamed with a coordinated long sleeve top and gilet

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