Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones couldn't resist a playful jab at her ex-husband and fellow dancer Neil Jones during a live television appearance this week, highlighting their enduring, if teasing, friendship.
A Cheeky Dig During Samba Challenge
The moment unfolded on the BBC's Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two, where Katya, 36, and fellow pro Amy Dowden were taking part in a samba challenge. Host Janette Manrara asked the duo which of the remaining professional dancers they thought would be strong contenders.
Amy Dowden was quick to suggest a name, saying: 'I am saying Neil this year...'
Without missing a beat, Katya retorted with a laugh: 'Why does everyone say Neil? We were never good at Samba!' The quip prompted host Janette Manrara to remark, 'Neil will love you for that one!' as the studio erupted in laughter.
From Partners to Ex-Spouses on the Dance Floor
The exchange was a light-hearted moment in a relationship that has been in the public eye for years. Katya and Neil Jones, 43, first met as dance partners in Blackpool in 2008. They enjoyed tremendous success together, becoming undefeated four-time British National Champions.
Their professional partnership turned romantic, and they married in 2013. Both joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing as professionals in 2016 for the show's fourteenth series.
Their relationship faced public scrutiny in 2018 after Katya was photographed kissing her then-celebrity dance partner, comedian Seann Walsh. The couple eventually announced their separation in September 2019, stating it was a mutual decision after 11 years together and six years of marriage.
Despite their split, they have remained friends and continue to work alongside each other as pro dancers on Strictly, a testament to their professional commitment.
Katya's Exit After a Heartfelt Tribute
The on-air joke came just days after Katya and her celebrity partner, Emmerdale star Lewis Capron, 30, were eliminated from the main competition during Sunday night's Musicals Week results show.
They found themselves in the dance-off against Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, despite both couples being near the top of the leaderboard. After both pairs performed again, the judges' vote sent Amber and Nikita through to the semi-final.
The elimination prompted an emotional farewell. Lewis told host Tess Daly: 'It's been more than I could have ever wished for... and [to Katya] I think it's all down to you.'
Katya paid a moving tribute to her partner, stating: 'You have created so many moments for Strictly Come Dancing that will be in the history books and you will be remembered as one of, if not, the best male celebrity we've ever had on the show.'
Fans expressed outrage on social media platform X, with many believing Lewis was 'final worthy' and that the pair were eliminated too early.
The remaining four couples now prepare for next weekend's Semi-Final, where they will each perform two routines. The results show will also feature a performance by music icon Kylie Minogue with the Strictly professionals.
