Katya Jones will have a celebrity partner on the new series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 29-year-old dancer – who announced her split from husband Neil Jones over the weekend – had been rumoured to be facing demotion to a place in the professional ensemble following the controversy sparked when she was pictured kissing her dance partner Seann Walsh last year but it seems she’s got a reprieve after show bosses signed up more male contestants than originally planned.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Katya has got lucky.
"She was lined up for a back-up role following the controversy of the last series and accepted she would just have to ride this year out.
"But the way the bookings panned out, a space has come open and she’ll be part of the main series."
It was claimed in April that the dancer had been offered a reduced role on ‘Strictly’ as "punishment" for the scandal.
A source said at the time: "Katya’s gutted. She knows she’s being punished. [Show bosses have told her] accept a reduced role as a back-up or walk away.
"Katya knows she is being punished for her actions and the scandal she caused.
"She feels BBC bosses are saying she can’t be trusted to act professionally with a celebrity.
"It is frustrating as she has put so much time and effort into the new series.
"But producers were adamant. While they let her stay in the cast they can’t condone her behaviour or all the drama she caused. No one is bigger than the show."
Katya and Neil announced their six-year marriage had ended in a statement shared to Instagram.
They said: "Hi everyone. As our fans and loyal supporters you are really important to us and so we wanted to let you know some news. After 11 years we have made the mutual decision to separate.
"We will always love each other, just in a different way as friends. This will never change what a great team we make and we are really proud of everything we have achieved together.
"Our shared love of dance means we will keep working and dancing together as well as exploring individual projects. No matter what we do we will always support and respect each other.
"We wish one another every happiness and we will remain the best of friends. We are really looking forward to getting back to the ballroom and can’t wait to keep on dancing. Lots of love from us both xx (sic)"
Katya Jones will get Strictly Come Dancing partner
