Katya Jones has joked about sharing the secrets to her time on Strictly Come Dancing as she reached a milestone, with work beginning on the upcoming series.
The professional dancer has been reunited with her co-stars as preparations begin for the next run of the BBC One dance show, which is set to return in September.
New pros and departures
The 2026 line-up of pros kicked off rehearsals on Monday (July 27), after five newcomers were revealed: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita. Earlier this year, Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk were announced to be leaving Strictly.
Social media trend
Ahead of rehearsals, Katya joined a social media trend where people appear on-screen, sit down, and face the camera as dramatic music plays, claiming they are preparing for a streaming service documentary. In her clip, she was surrounded by Strictly memorabilia, including the Glitterball trophy she won in 2017 with actor Joe McFadden. Text on the video read: "Me preparing for my Netflix documentary about what it's like entering your 11th year on Strictly Come Dancing as the longest-standing female pro."
She captioned the Instagram post: "Where would I even begin? [midblown emoji] What’s the first question you would ask me? [eyes emoji] #strictlycomedancing #scd #strictly #katyajones." Strictly pals Dianne Buswell and Janette Manrara responded with crying laughing emojis, as did her most recent celebrity dance partner, actor Lewis Cope.
Fan reactions
Fans responded with excitement. @nimitaylor said: "11 years?!! How?! Feels like only yesterday that you joined the SCD! Have a FAB U LOUS new season." @lewisxcopefan commented: "So excited to support you again this year!!! You’re going to be amazing as always, shining on that dance floor!! fav pro always." @cariad.cook wrote: "Can't wait to see you smash it again this year!! the best of the best." @hollssx08 replied: "So glad you're back! cannot wait to see you shine." @katyasglitterball added: "I love that you have something from each of your partners. Can't wait to see you smash year 11."
