Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals were thrown into chaos after two BBC favourites were unable to take part. Previously married stars Katya Jones and Neil Jones were both injured and forced to pull out of rehearsals, it has been reported.
The former couple missed out on a number of pre-recorded group routines for the BBC One production at Elstree Studio. Katya, 37, and her ex-husband Neil, 44, returned to dancing on Friday, but the damage may already have been done after they missed the sessions, which could jeopardise their chances of being paired with a celebrity for the launch of the latest series on September 19.
Concerns over recovery time
A source told The Sun: “The pro dancers are under the cosh for filming the group dances, which are played throughout the series, and have a hectic schedule.”
“There was a real crisis on set when both Neil and Katya were injured at the same time and there were concerns they wouldn’t be able to recover in time for the series start in two weeks.”
“They were gutted to miss out on the group dances as it guarantees them screen time if they don’t get a partner, which Neil often doesn’t.”
Line-up changes and new arrivals
Five new dancers have joined the Strictly line-up, with insiders claiming the new arrivals have left the older professionals fearing they will not receive a celebrity dance partner.
Strictly has undergone several changes in recent months following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down as hosts. As part of a huge revamp, bosses also axed long-standing professionals Karen Hauer, Gorka Márquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, and Michelle Tsiakkas in favour of new talent.
Former Strictly contestant Ellie Taylor replaces Janette Manrara and Fleur East on the BBC spin-off show It Takes Two. Express has reached out to the BBC for comment.
