Mike Bushell is "chuffed to bits" to be partnered with Katya Jones on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
The 53-year-old presenter laughed off online jokes that his wife Emily – who he married in May after a year of dating – would be unimpressed with the pairing after the dancer was embroiled in scandal last year.
Katya was caught kissing her dance partner Seann Walsh, resulting in the breakdown of his relationship and she eventually split from her own husband, Neil Jones, but Mike insisted he and Emily are only concerned about how good a dancer she is.
He told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "In all honestly Emily and I are chuffed to bits I have been paired with the incredible Katya Jones, the fabulously creative and one of the best choreographers on earth.
"Just look at the record. A proven winner and can’t wait."
The couplings were revealed on the ‘Strictly’ launch show, which aired this weekend.
Katya’s estranged husband, Neil, will dance with Alex Scott, while James Cracknell will partner show newsomcer Luba Mushtuk.
Reigning champion Kevin Clifton was partnered with Anneka Rice and ‘Coronation Street’ star Catherine Tyldesley was given Johannes Radebe. Saffron Barker was partnered with AJ Pritchard whilst Michelle Visage and Giovanni Pernice were put together and Anton Du Beke will dance with Emma Barton.
Karim Zeroual was partnered with Amy Dowden and comedian Chris Ramsey was given Karen Hauer. David James and Nadia Bychkova, Viscountess Emma Thynn Weymouth and Aljaž Škorjanec were put together.
Will Bayley and Janette Manrara and Dev Griffin and Dianne Buswell completed the line up.
Jaime Laing was partnered with Oti Mabuse but he has been forced to pull out of the show after injuring his foot and Kelvin Fletcher will now replace him.
Mike Bushell ‘chuffed’ to have Katya Jones as partner
