Strictly Come Dancing Star Suggests Exit from Key BBC Role After Nine Years Amid Scandal

Strictly Come Dancing Star Katya Jones Hints at Exit After Nine Years
(Image: Katya Jones in a glamorous dance pose, caption: "Katya Jones joined Strictly in 2016 and won with Joe McFadden in 2017.")

Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones, 35, has hinted she may leave the BBC show after nine years, sparking speculation about her future. The dancer, who joined in 2016 and won with actor Joe McFadden in 2017, hinted at "exciting" 2025 projects during an Instagram Q&A, stating, “I’ll continue [Strictly] as long as I have the same passion for it.” She also teased a potential role as a judge, saying, “We might get to see soon what kind of judge I could be.”

Controversies and Scandals
Katya’s tenure hasn’t been without drama. In 2018, she was embroiled in a scandal after being photographed kissing celebrity partner Seann Walsh, then 39, despite being married to fellow pro Neil Jones. The pair later divorced.

(Image: Katya and Seann Walsh in a tense rehearsal, caption: "Katya’s 2018 kiss with Seann Walsh led to her divorce from Neil Jones.")

Most recently, her 2023 partner, opera singer Wynne Evans, 53, was axed from the Strictly live tour for making a crude remark about co-host Janette Manrara. Evans allegedly suggested a “spit roast” threesome during a tour photocall, prompting BBC bosses to condemn his “inappropriate actions.” Katya and Wynne also faced backlash for an awkward on-camera moment where she moved his hand from her waist and refused a high-five, though they dismissed it as a “silly inside joke.”

(Image: Katya and Wynne Evans mid-dance, caption: "Wynne Evans was removed from the tour after a vulgar comment about Janette Manrara.")

Strain Behind the Scenes
Insiders claim Katya was “devastated” by Wynne’s dismissal and felt the situation was “blown out of proportion.” A source told The Sun, “Her friends worry this is making her fall out of love with the show… There’s only so much drama she can take.”

(Image: Katya looking solemn backstage, caption: "Katya reportedly felt ‘thrown under the bus’ after Wynne’s exit.")

Her Strictly journey has been marred by tensions, including rumors of a 2022 feud with partner Tony Adams, whom she allegedly pushed too hard in rehearsals. Despite challenges, Katya remains grateful, stating, “Strictly allowed me to have this platform.”

What’s Next?
As Katya eyes new ventures, fans speculate about her next move. She recently shared tour farewell photos on Instagram, notably omitting Wynne, while highlighting fun moments with co-stars.

(Image: Katya laughing with Janette Manrara, caption: "Katya celebrated the tour’s end with co-stars but didn’t mention Wynne.")

Whether she stays as a judge or exits entirely, 2025 promises change for the dancer. As she put it, “It’s important to create a future doing things I love.”

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