Katya Jones has responded to criticism of Strictly Come Dancing's 2026 celebrity line-up, insisting fans are 'missing the beauty' of the popular BBC One programme. The professional dancer, now the longest-serving female pro on the show, addressed the backlash in a TikTok video ahead of the new series.
Pro Dancer's Response to Line-Up Critics
In her video, Katya said: "Every year when the Strictly celebrity line-up is announced, we hear the same things... 'Who are they?' 'I don't know any of them.' 'Worst line-up ever!' 'I'm not watching it this year!'"
She continued: "But I think you guys are missing the beauty of Strictly. The show caters to people of all ages, from all walks of life. Just because you don't know someone, doesn't mean others don't, and part of the magic is getting to know them. Think about celebrities you didn't know at the start of last year's series. They were probably the ones you loved the most by the end of it."
2026 Celebrity Contestants and New Pros
The famous faces set to take part this year include EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, singer Delta Goodrem, Manchester City legend Shaun Wright-Phillips, and Gavin & Stacey favourite Melanie Walters. The series is expected to begin with the pre-recorded launch show on September 19.
Katya added: "In my opinion, that is the true beauty of Strictly - that people ger to be seen not for what they do, or what they're known for, but for who they are as human beings and we get to go on that journey with them, whilst teaching them the Cha Cha Cha. Am I right?"
Alongside Katya, returning dancers include Aljaz Skorjanec, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, and Neil Jones, among others. They are joined by five new professionals: Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby, and Mark Karmalita.
