Strictly’s Kevin Clifton says he’s backing Alex Scott and Neil Jones to win and take his Glitterball trophy

STRICTLY'S Kevin Clifton has admitted he's backing Alex Scott and Neil Jones to win and take his Glitterball trophy.

The reigning champ, 37, recently stepped into dance with ex-footballer Alex, 35, after Neil, 37, was injured in training.

Kev scooped the trophy last year with Stacey Dooley.

When asked who is going to win Strictly by Good Morning Britain hosts Ben Shephard and Susanna Reid, Kevin said: "I don't know... Team Red - Alex and Neil!"

In October, Kevin had just 45 minutes to learn a Ghostbusters dance routine and perform with Alex on the Halloween live show after Neil injured himself in dress rehearsals just moments before.

But after a few weeks away from the dancefloor, Neil made a fantastic return last Saturday night with an energetic jive.

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Viewers at home celebrated as the professional dancer made his way back into the competition with Alex after suffering a leg injury.

Alex commented ahead of the dance: "It's been a frustrating couple of weeks for Neil, but just before we went on (last week) he said, 'you've been doing great in training and he said just enjoy it', and I did."

And Neil revealed Kevin helped him to train Alex saying: "It's a good thing I've got Kevin with me this week so that I can rest my leg a bit."

He added: "The update is I'm all clear and I can now dance again."

At the end of the show,  Alex admitted that she had struggled as she practised the routine with both Neil and Kevin to make sure that she was prepared for either option.

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She then shared her excitement at Neil being deemed fit to dance by his physio, with the ginger hunk beaming as he appeared by her side.

He said: "It's great to be back, and I have to thank Kevin - he has been there all week.

"I could not have done it without him."

The pair will now be hoping to impress the judges when they take to the dancefloor in Blackpool this weekend.

• Don't miss Strictly this Saturday on BBC One at 7.05pm