In a dramatic overhaul of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC has axed several long-standing professional dancers, but Katya Jones has emerged as a standout survivor. The Daily Mail can exclusively reveal that the 36-year-old Russian dancer is poised to sign a new contract, marking her 10th anniversary on the glitzy dance competition.
BBC Bosses Desperate to Retain Katya Jones
BBC executives were reportedly 'desperate' to keep Katya Jones amid what insiders describe as a 'bloodbath' of talent. A show source told the Daily Mail: 'She is not leaving, Katya is remaining on Strictly, the bosses think she's a legend. They know how much viewers love her and they are also in awe of her choreography talents.' This move underscores her popularity and the high regard in which she is held by producers.
Major Shake-Up Sees Veteran Dancers Depart
The current Strictly shake-up follows the departures of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly last year, with a search underway for new ballroom hosts. Emma Willis and Zoe Ball are frontrunners, while other names like Alex Jones and Rylan have been considered. Now, sources indicate bosses are aiming for a fresh start after years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancers.
Long-standing pros Karen Hauer, 43, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Luba Mushtuk, 36, and Gorka Márquez, 35, have been axed from the series. Insiders claim all Strictly pros are already aware of their fate. Given that Nadiya, Gorka, and Luba are in their mid-thirties and Karen in her forties, the axings have sparked talk of a potential ageism row.
Katya Jones's Rise to Strictly Stardom
It's no surprise bosses wanted to keep Katya, as she is hugely popular with viewers. She quickly stole the show in her first year in 2016 with creative routines and her enthusiastic political partner Ed Balls, finishing in an impressive sixth place. She topped that in 2017 by lifting the Glitterball trophy with celebrity partner Joe McFadden.
Katya made Strictly history in 2020 as part of the show's first-ever same-sex partnership with boxer Nicola Adams. Other celebrity partners include Mike Bushell, Adam Peaty, Tony Adams, and Nigel Harman. Last year, she was paired with Lewis Cope, and their Halloween dance was praised by judges as something that 'would go down in Strictly history.'
Scandals and Controversies
However, Katya has faced her share of scandals. In 2018, she was in the headlines after being photographed kissing her celebrity partner Seann Walsh, while married to fellow Strictly pro Neil Jones at the time. Both apologised, with Katya calling it a 'one-off mistake.' In 2024, she was paired with GoCompare star Wynne Evans, and an awkward moment where she appeared to brush his hand from her waist sparked rumours, though she dismissed it as 'complete nonsense.'
Future Plans and Group Dance Roles
Elsewhere, Neil Jones, 43, who has rarely had a celebrity dance partner, will also go without one this year, as will Nancy Xu, 34. It's believed they may still appear in big group dance numbers, while pros like Nadiya, Gorka, Luba, Michelle, and Karen have been completely dropped from the lineup.
Katya is now gearing up to mark her 10th anniversary on the show and will no doubt be looking to lift the Glitterball trophy again to celebrate in style. When contacted for comment, the BBC stated that plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course.
