Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has reportedly been warned by BBC bosses over a potential "rule break" just one week into the new series. The 37-year-old dancer works with Magic.fit, which sells an AI-powered "smart mirror". As part of their partnership, users can take part in personalised workouts tailored to improve their mobility and hit their fitness goals. It also includes a special one with the ballroom expert, where fans can follow along with her step-by-step class.
Advert promises Strictly training at home
The smart mirror promises fans of the BBC show that they can be "Strictly trained in the comfort of your own home." The advert sees Katya tease users: "Ever wondered what it's like to train with a Strictly professional?" as she shows off some of her impressive moves in the mirror.
But now, it has been reported that the Russian dancer has been spoken to by BBC producers and reminded of the rules, which state that stars of the show are banned from using the show or format for their own gain through commercial activities.
Source claims wording was "blatant"
A source told The Sun: "There is no problem with Katya having commercial deals, but there are strict rules around using Strictly and the BBC brand to make money. The wording was pretty blatant. She was effectively selling people the chance to train with a Strictly professional, at exactly the time Strictly is back on television. She has been reminded of the rules and told she needs to be much more careful."
When approached for a comment, a BBC Studios spokesperson told The Mirror: "We have clear guidelines around Strictly talent's commercial activities while working with the BBC, and we regularly remind contributors of their obligations in this area."
Mouthing incident with co-star
It comes after Katya was caught apparently mouthing the word "fit" when talking about her 2026 co-star Lawrence Robb. The raven-haired beauty was partnered up with the Emmerdale hunk during last week's pairing show when the incident took place. However she has since informed her former Strictly co-star and friend Ed Balls that she actually mouthed the word "fierce" on camera.
On Tuesday's episode (September 29) of Good Morning Britain, Ed spoke out on the matter, where he revealed that the dancer had texted him during the advert break to explain what really happened. He told viewers: "I said yesterday it was pretty clear she [Katya] said, 'he's fit'. In my heart of hearts, I still think that, but she sent me a WhatsApp and it said 'I said fierce'. Katya has always told me the unvarnished truth, so it must be true."
