Two Strictly Come Dancing professionals have reportedly suffered injuries during rehearsals, just days before the launch show is due to air. Katya Jones and her former husband Neil Jones are said to have been compelled to temporarily bow out of recent rehearsals.
The much-loved dance contest is set to return in a matter of days, with a pre-recorded launch show slated for Saturday, 19 September. Rehearsals are currently in full swing, with five fresh professional dancers joining the roster following an alleged "bloodbath".
Injuries force temporary absence
It's suggested that Katya and Neil missed a segment of rehearsals before making their way back to the dance floor. An insider 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."
They added: "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," reports Wales Online. "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."
The BBC declined to comment when approached. The Daily Star has learned that Katya and Neil skipped a few dances but made their return to the dance floor on Friday, when the final pre-recorded group routines were filmed. They're also slated to appear in group dances throughout the series alongside other Strictly Come Dancing professionals, while additional group routines will be recorded in the upcoming weeks, as per tradition.
Major revamp with new dancers and hosts
Strictly is experiencing a significant revamp this year, with five new professional dancers joining the ranks of Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell. This came after a so-called bloodbath which saw Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Gorka Marquez and Michelle Tsiakkas all announce their exits from the show.
Three new presenters are also gearing up to step into the shoes of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Day: Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe.
One of the new dancers, Aleksandra Isaeva, announced: "I've been living and breathing dance for as long as I can remember, so joining the Strictly family is a true honour. The thought of learning from and sharing this experience with such extraordinary dancers, choreographers and the whole Strictly family still gives me goosebumps. I can't wait to pour my whole heart into every performance, inspire others and be inspired along the way!"
Her dance partner, Cristian Priori, added: "Saying yes to Strictly was an easy decision. Dance has always been my way of expressing myself, and I'm so excited to begin this new chapter. I'm ready to give my all, enjoy every moment of this amazing journey, and embrace everything it has to offer. Strictly is where passion, hard work and entertainment come together, so being part of it is a real privilege."
Meanwhile, South African dancer Lethabo Monametsi shared: "This moment is bigger than me. I step into it with profound gratitude and deep humility, knowing it is the culmination of years of unwavering love, belief, and support from the people who dared to dream alongside me. Representing South Africa on the Strictly Come Dancing stage is far more than a career milestone, it is an honour beyond words, and I cannot wait to embrace every extraordinary moment of this journey."
Maddie Ingoldsby previously made her TV debut on Strictly: It Takes Two, and now joins the main show. She said: "Joining Strictly as a professional dancer is truly a dream come true. My heart is so full of gratitude, excitement, and anticipation as I begin this incredible new chapter. Dance has always been where I feel most myself, and to now share my heart, my creativity, and my love for it on a show that has inspired millions is an honour beyond words."
And the final new professional dancer, Mark Karmalita, added: "Joining Strictly feels incredibly special, and I'm honoured to be stepping into a ballroom with so much history and heart. I can't wait to bring my own style, connect with the audience, and enjoy every moment along the way."
Strictly Come Dancing returns on Saturday, September 19.
