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Celebrity

27th Apr 2019

Katya Jones reportedly ‘axed’ from main Strictly Come Dancing line-up

Keeley Ryan

Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones has reportedly been axed from the main line up after her kiss with Seann Walsh last year.

The 29-year-old is said to have been “gutted” when told she wouldn’t be getting a celebrity partner this year.

The Sun report that Katya was told to “accept a reduced role as a back-up or walk away”.

A source told the publication:

“Katya’s gutted. She 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.”

 

They added that the decision is “bittersweet” for Katya, as her husband Neil is said to be being paired with a celebrity partner for the first time.

The insider continued:

“Katya can’t leave as Strictly is still a huge gig, and she has to support Neil like he has done for her so many years.”

Last month, Katya and Neil gave a joint interview where they discussed the kiss scandal for the first time.

During last year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing, Katya and comedian Seann were caught by paparazzi sharing a kiss on the street.

The photo caused a scandal and the pair were eliminated from the competition weeks later.

Neil, who also appeared on the series, told Hello! that he had moved past the drama.

“I can accept people make mistakes,” the 36-year-old said.

“My mum always said, ‘People make mistakes in their lives. Don’t react, try to understand’. So that is how it always is for me.”