QUICK-STEPPING throughout the dancefloor clutching the arms of one other girl, she made historical past as one half of Strictly Come Dancing’s first-ever same-sex couple.
And, final month, Katya Jones was accountable for one other Strictly first – having to depart the present after testing optimistic for Covid-19.
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Katya Jones has opened up about ‘that’ kiss with Seann Walsh, her relationship with ex Neil Jones and being a lesbian pin-upCredit score: Getty – Contributor
Coming simply 15 months after her cut up from fellow professional, Neil, it has been a usually eventful finish to the yr for one of many present’s hottest dancers.
So how’s she having fun with life as a lesbian pin-up?
“Effectively, I’ve been getting fairly a couple of messages from women now which has been good.
“However no-one well-known… why do not they slide into my DM’s?! I’m very a lot single….
Two years in the past, Katya was famously concerned in her personal Strictly scandal – ‘that’ kiss with Seann Walsh, her celeb companion on the timeCredit score: Sacks
“Have I ever dated a woman? No I haven’t however possibly a lady wouldn’t wish to exit with me as a result of I’m a bossy girl!”
“All of the fuss about Nicola and I dancing collectively was, for me, fairly unusual as a result of within the ballroom world, it’s such a standard factor.
“You go to any dance college and there are primarily girl-girl partnerships, even within the competitions – actually because there aren’t sufficient boys.
“For us it was completely regular, however to do that on prime time TV, I perceive it was actually thrilling.”
Regardless of their marriage collapsing, Russian-born Katya reckons she and Neil, 38, are nearer than everCredit score: PA:Press Affiliation
The couple have been compelled to step down from the competitors after Katya got here down with coronavirus, albeit with none signs.
A two-week isolation spell meant they’d be compelled to overlook two stay exhibits, and competitors guidelines would not permit two consecutive byes.
KATYA AND NICOLA’S ‘RAUNCHIEST ROUTINE EVER’ FOR FINAL
Nevertheless, given their recognition, the pair might be returning for a special one-off performance next week.
It will likely be the duo’s raunchiest routine ever.
“I’m so joyful we have been in a position to do it – we wanted closure,” she smiles.
“We’ve spiced it up this week. It’s good as a result of we aren’t being judged, so I’ve had the liberty to do what we would like and I’ve thrown all the things at it this week…. bar the kitchen sink!
Katya says: ‘All of the fuss about Nicola and I dancing collectively was, for me, fairly unusual as a result of within the ballroom world, it’s such a standard factor’
“There are many lifts and tips, and there’s a bit extra chemistry in there; it is very completely different to something we have executed within the competitors earlier than and I can’t wait to point out a unique aspect to folks.”
Nicola, who has been together with her influencer girlfriend Ella Baig for 2 years, beforehand described Katya as “scorching” – however even with the notorious Strictly curse, there was completely no likelihood of a romance this yr.
With no scandal on this yr’s present, the closest the BBC have come to inappropriate touching is singer HRVY and EastEnders actress Maisie Smith breaking social distancing guidelines – and standing a couple of foot and a half away from each other.
So what of the so-called Curse? And why achieve this many {couples} get collectively on and off the dance flooring?
The pairing of Katya and Seann resulted in considered one of Strictly’s largest scandals
“Clearly there have been plenty of tales… but additionally there are such a lot of extra examples of nothing taking place, and folks being joyful at residence with their households,” she muses.
“However I feel some folks get empowered by it due to the sense of accomplishment they get from doing this good present.
“Perhaps they didn’t have the boldness, or the energy, to do this stuff earlier than, or possibly some folks have been in long-term, sad relationships and doing Strictly empowered them to understand they may do higher.
“Folks discover themselves once more. They realise they’ll do that and really feel they’ll tackle the world – that’s the wonderful factor about this present.”
Katya Jones was accountable for one other Strictly first – having to depart the present after testing optimistic for Covid-19
In fact, two years in the past, Katya was famously concerned in her personal Strictly scandal – ‘that’ kiss with Seann Walsh, her celeb partner at the time.
The pair have been pictured snogging on the street after a boozy evening out on the pub.
However the gorgeous Russian dancer reckons she and Neil, 38, are nearer than ever.
Chatting from North London’s Studio 45, she explains: “There are not any regrets as a result of that is not how I like to guide my life.
“In fact sure issues made it hell, all the eye – and I feel for 2 weeks Brexit was forgotten!
Regardless of having to depart the competitors, Katya and Nicola might be returning for a one-off look within the present’s grand remaining – and promising their ‘raunchiest routine ever’
“I am joyful to speak about it now – it does not have an effect on me, it does not have an effect on who I’m.
“It was psychological, and it took time to recover from it however the way in which I got here out of it, I’m joyful, and my ex-husband Neil and I’ve by no means been so shut. Which I feel says all of it.”
Because the 31-year-old explains, for at the least two weeks of that 2018 October month, the entrance pages and daytime journal exhibits have been dominated with protection of her smooch.
She mentioned: “I feel the very fact we’re finest buddies proper now simply exhibits the way in which we’ve handled issues.
‘THE BBC ALWAYS LOOKED AFTER ME’
Katya has praised the BBC for a way she was cared for after the Seann Walsh scandal brokeCredit score: BBC
“I feel the very fact we’re finest buddies proper now simply exhibits the way in which we’ve handled issues.
“I’m not saying that what occurred was proper however classes have been discovered and now we’re each so joyful.
“We simply got here to the conclusion that we have been actually good buddies however that the romantic aspect had gone.
“Even throughout lockdown Neil and I’ve been in fixed contact over FaceTime and checking in with one another.
“We’ve recognized one another for 12 years, have been married for seven, and that is not been for nothing.
Katya and Neil have saved in contact throughout lockdown, with loads of Zoom chatsCredit score: Getty – Contributor
“We’ve gone by arduous occasions collectively, unhappy occasions and joyful occasions, and now have by no means been so good.”
Katya has but to satisfy Neil’s new Colombian dancer girlfriend, Luisa Eusse – however the pair have exchanged a couple of pleasant messages, and Katya has given her her seal of approval.
“I haven’t met Luisa but however she’s a stunning woman,” she says.
“I haven’t had an opportunity to satisfy her but, however we’ve been texting a bit.
“She messaged me saying she hoped I used to be okay when I got knocked out of the competition with Covid, so I approve of her! That was very nice.”
The star, participating and bubbly in actual life, has praised the Beeb’s Responsibility of Care workforce, and divulges they supplied her their full assist – together with counselling – after the scandal first broke.
Away from Strictly, and with a quickly increasing profile, Katya has had a number of provides of different work – however stays loyal to StrictlyCredit score: BBC
“The BBC taken care of me at all times,” she provides. “I used to be supplied remedy however have at all times had it on a regular basis anyway.
“I had remedy not due to the scenario however as a result of I’ve at all times had a psychological coach again from after I competed.
“I had remedy to cope with all the things from the connection, and the strain, and the steadiness. In order that wasn’t something new.”
Away from Strictly, and with a quickly increasing profile, Katya has had a number of provides of different work – however stays loyal to Strictly.
Final yr she headlined in Panto, one thing she “completely beloved”, however says her “dream” could be to look on BBC1’s The Nice British Stitching Bee, hosted by Joe Lycett.
Katya has a dream of showing in BBC1’s The Nice British Stitching Bee, hosted by Joe Lycett Credit score: BBC
Katya, who gained the Glitterball trophy in 2017 alongside actor Joe McFadden, is sweet friends with each the professionals and judges.
She backs veteran dancer Anton Du Beke, who crammed in for Motsi Mabuse after she needed to self-isolate from a visit to Germany, as a future choose for the following collection, including: “We have been all so joyful he acquired the possibility to do it.
“It was wonderful to see Anton judging; he’s a legend and has been there from day considered one of this present. He did an important job. No matter occurs, we all know Strictly will at all times get it proper.”
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