Strictly legend hints they’re quitting after 9 years and two scandals
They're thinking about the future
Almost a decade after joining Strictly Come Dancing, Katya Jones has hinted that a change of pace might be on the cards.
The professional dancer, 35, has said she’s ‘not getting any younger’ when asked about future plans.
She joined the BBC show in 2016 for its 14th series, dancing her way to victory the following year with Joe McFadden.
Last year, Katya was paired with Wynne Evans who ended up embroiled in scandals and had to leave the live show tour.
After this — and her own Strictly curse scandal in 2018 — Katya is hinting that it might be time to move on.
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Answering fan questions she said: ‘Actually 2025 is actually looking very exciting! Quite a few projects and jobs that I’ve been working on for a while.
She said she’s ‘not getting any younger’ (Picture: CJ.PICCS /AARON PARFITT / BACKGRID)Speaking of Strictly, the dancer continued: ‘Strictly is what has allowed me to have this platform and I will continue doing it as long as I have the same passion for it.
‘But we are growing and evolving – and not getting any younger.
‘So it is important to keep looking ahead and create a future for myself doing things I love.’
However, she’s also eyeing up the possibility of a move within the Strictly world, possibly to the judges panel.
‘We might get to see soon what kind of judge I could be,’ Katya teased, adding: ‘I have the knowledge and the credentials to be technically demanding but I have been on the other side so long that I understand the importance of being compassionate and understanding.’
In 2018, hot off her winning season, the dancer was caught locking lips with her celebrity partner Seann Walsh, while both were in relationships.
Her support of Wynne Evans caused some controversy (Picture: @katyajones/instagram)The affair ended his relationship with actress Rebecca Humphries, who later accused him of being controlling and cheating throughout their five years together.
It also caused Katya and her then-husband Neil Jones, a fellow Strictly cast member, to separate with their divorce finalised in 2023 — 10 years after they tied the knot.
Last year, the pro dancer came under fire for supporting her celebrity dance partner Wynne after he made inappropriate jokes.
After the end of 2024’s season, Katya and Wynne continued to dance together across the UK, but this came to an abrupt end after an ‘inappropriate comment’.
Wynne announced he was stepping away after he was filmed joking about a three-way – or ‘spit roast’ – involving Strictly Live presenter and professional dancer Janette Manrara.
Katya stood by him at the time, reposting his apology message and asking fans to ‘show humanity and consideration’.
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