Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones has been flooded with messages of support after sharing a heartfelt social media post reflecting on her dancing journey, following her admission that the show left her 'heartbroken' last year.
The professional dancer has returned to the BBC One ballroom for the 2026 series, having been confirmed for the show earlier this year. Katya, now the longest-serving female professional on the programme following Karen Hauer's departure, has been paired with social media star John Nellis. The duo have already impressed in the competition, which enters its fourth week this Saturday (October 17).
Reflecting on a childhood dream
Ahead of the next live show, Katya took to Instagram with a video featuring pictures of herself as a youngster. In the clip, she asked her younger self questions, with images of her in different roles on Strictly and beyond appearing to answer them back.
"You made it!" one said, to which Katya replied: "I'm working on it". But her younger self responded: "No, you made it!" before adding: "I knew you would!" Captioning the post, the BBC star wrote: "If only I could meet her…"
The comments soon came flooding in. @cianmilne said: "Always so proud of you Katya!!! So much love" @alisha__nicholson commented: "Baby Katya would be so proud of who you are today! My biggest inspiration always." @lewisxcopefan wrote: "Stop this is so sweet. So proud of you always Katya."
Doubts after last year's elimination
@lornaslorach posted: "So inspiring, brava to you, you amazing lady with your heart as big as your smile and attitude #belikekatya." @rhiannon_dv shared: "You are such an incredible inspiration Katya and an amazing role model." @gillian_boyd added: "This is so lovely..little Katya would be really proud."
The post comes after Katya recently revealed she questioned her future on Strictly after being left "heartbroken" by her and Emmerdale star Lewis Cope's elimination last year. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said: "Every year I do question myself, like really think, 'Are you ready for this really intense, really all-consuming thing again and again and again and again?' And if the answer is still yes, I'll be here doing it. I must say, last year I was very heartbroken. So there was a lot of doubt, like, 'Can I face it again?'"
She is hoping to come back stronger with John this year. She added: "We are giving the nation something to look forward to and get through the winter. So it's not about me. Get your little ego, shove it deep down there, and give people a good time!"
