In a remarkably candid and exclusive interview, Strictly Come Dancing's fiery professional Katya Jones has addressed the series of scandals that threatened to derail her career, speaking openly about the intense public scrutiny and the personal breakdown that followed.
The Latin champion, known for her electrifying performances, found herself at the centre of a media firestorm in 2018 after being photographed kissing her married celebrity partner, comedian Seann Walsh. The incident dominated headlines and sparked a national conversation.
"It was a whirlwind of chaos," Jones revealed, reflecting on that period. "The scrutiny was all-consuming. It felt like the entire country was watching and judging every move I made."
The Aftermath and a Personal Crisis
The pressure from the scandal took a severe toll on her mental health, leading to what she describes as a genuine breakdown. The dancer admits she was plunged into a dark period, struggling to cope with the very public fallout from her private life.
Yet, in a stunning declaration, Jones insists she harbours no regrets. "I wouldn't change a thing," she stated emphatically. "Every single experience, good or bad, shapes who you are. I've learned, I've grown, and I'm still here."
More Than One Controversy
The Seann Walsh kiss was not Jones's only brush with Strictly controversy. She also addressed the infamous 'wandering hand' gaffe with her 2023 partner, Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans. During a live broadcast, Evans's hand appeared to slip during a lift, making unintended contact with her chest.
Jones brushed off the incident, attributing it to the high-pressure, physically demanding nature of the show. "Things happen in a split second during a live dance. It was a clumsy moment, nothing more. There was no malice intended, and none was taken."
Her message is one of resilience and acceptance. Jones claims the relentless controversies, while painful at the time, ultimately forged a stronger, more self-assured woman. She remains a beloved fixture on the show, a testament to her talent and her ability to weather a storm that would have ended many other careers.
