BBC Morning Live welcomes back 'missed' Strictly star after break

BBC Morning Live welcomed back a Strictly Come Dancing star on Tuesday's episode.

During the latest episode, hosts Rav Wilding and Gaby Roslin welcomed their line-up for the day, where Strictly professional dancer Neil Jones was on the panel for the Strictly fitness segment.

Upon introducing Neil, 42, presenter Rav, 47, said: "Big welcome back to Neil Jones!" to which Neil quipped: "Honestly, after I saw what Gethin [Jones - another presenter on the show] was up to yesterday, I had to get back."

This prompted host Gaby, 60, to respond: "You know, we really missed you, it's so lovely to have you back! It really is!" as he was grilled on Strictly's Halloween plans for the show this weekend.

Neil said: "We've got a great number this week, Carlos [Gu] is heading it and it's a great number. I can't tell you anymore, but it is good and a movie favourite, that's all I'm going to say, it's juicy!"

It comes as Neil was sadly eliminated from Strictly with his celebrity partner Toyah Willcox. Toyah, 66, was the second celebrity to exit after her movie week routine failed to impressed the judges earlier this month.

The pair danced off against former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson and his partner Karen Hauer during the second results show of the BBC series.

Neil and Toyah performed their samba to the song Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid a second time before Paul and Karen repeated their cha cha to the Magnificent Seven theme as part of the show’s Movie Week.

Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Paul and Karen, sending Toyah home, with head judge Shirley Ballas then agreeing she would also have saved the former England international.

After the judges’ decision, Toyah described the show as "the best two months of my life". She said: "It has been fantastic. I have enjoyed every second. And you [Neil] have been phenomenal, thank you so much."

Neil added he had never seen someone "work so hard" on the show, he said: "She has made me laugh so much, I have never seen someone work so hard – I’m the one asking for breaks every now and then. She just kept going, she wanted to learn so much.

"If you saw her in the hallway she’s been practicing. Everyone’s been telling me 'have you seen Toyah practicing?' She’s brilliant and she’s what Strictly is all about, and I’ve loved every moment."

BBC Morning Live continues on weekdays at 9:30am on BBC One.