Katya Jones Reflects on Strictly Scandals: Admits ‘Breakdown’ After First Controversy but Insists ‘Wouldn’t Change a Thing’ – From Seann Walsh Kiss to Wynne Evans ‘Wandering Hand’ Gaffe

Katya Jones Reflects on Strictly Come Dancing Scandals and Personal Growth

Since joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, Katya Jones, 36, has faced both triumphs and turbulence. The professional dancer, who lifted the Glitterball Trophy with Joe McFadden in 2017, opened up about the controversies that overshadowed her journey—including a scandal that triggered a personal "breakdown"—but insists she "wouldn’t change a thing."

[IMAGE: Katya performing on Strictly (Caption: Katya Jones has weathered multiple scandals during her nine years on Strictly Come Dancing.)]

The 2018 Kiss Scandal
In 2018, Katya made headlines after being photographed kissing her celebrity partner, comedian Seann Walsh, during a night out. Both were in relationships at the time—Katya married to fellow pro dancer Neil Jones, and Walsh dating Rebecca Humphries. The fallout was intense, with Humphries publicly accusing Walsh of gaslighting her. Katya later called the kiss a “one-off mistake after drinks.” Though she and Neil initially stood together, they divorced months later but remain friends.

[IMAGE: Katya and Seann Walsh rehearsing (Caption: Katya’s 2018 partnership with Seann Walsh sparked controversy after their public kiss.)]

The scandal took a toll. Katya recalled a “breakdown” a year later, triggered by online hate. “I FaceTimed my mum, crying in my car,” she shared. Her mother’s tough-love response—telling her to “wipe your tears and crack on”—helped her refocus. “I needed a kick up the a**e,” Katya admitted.

Feud Rumors and Tensions
In 2022, Katya faced backlash during her partnership with ex-footballer Tony Adams. Reports claimed she pushed him too hard in rehearsals, leading to on-air tension. After a flawed salsa performance, cameras caught them in a heated post-dance exchange. Adams later joked on Good Morning Britain that Katya was “over-critical,” but praised her choreography genius. The pair reconciled, even vacationing together post-show.

[IMAGE: Katya and Tony Adams arguing (Caption: Katya and Tony Adams faced rumors of a feud during their 2022 partnership.)]

The Wynne Evans ‘Joke’ Backlash
In 2023, a live show moment with opera singer Wynne Evans sparked fresh drama. Viewers speculated about a rift when Katya appeared to swat his hand off her waist and reject a high-five. Both denied friction, calling it a “silly inside joke.” On It Takes Two, Katya clarified, “The idea that I felt offended is nonsense,” while Evans admitted the joke “misinterpreted.”

[IMAGE: Katya and Wynne Evans on Strictly (Caption: Katya and Wynne Evans dismissed rumors of tension as a misunderstood joke.)]

Lessons and Loyalty
Despite the challenges, Katya remains fiercely loyal to Strictly. She credits the show for shaping her resilience: “I wouldn’t change a single thing. Those moments made me who I am.” To cope with scrutiny, she separates her public and private lives: “People can criticize me, but not my work if I do it well.”

[IMAGE: Katya Jones solo portrait (Caption: Katya insists her Strictly journey, despite scandals, is “worth it.”)]

Now gearing up for the new season, Katya focuses on growth. “I’ve learned to block negativity,” she said. “Strictly is my passion—it’s given me everything.”

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