Strictly Come Dancing star confirms huge new role as fans left begging 'please don't leave us'
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Strictly Come Dancing pro Katya Jones is making waves with a major career development, as she's set to become a judge.
The dance floor favourite has expressed her excitement to her followers, announcing her departure from the ballroom for a new challenge. Despite being confirmed as part of the BBC One show's professional line-up for the 2025 series starting this autumn, there's buzz about whether she'll get hooked on judging.
Posting an image on Instagram where she looks stunning in a pink maxi dress, clutching a golden trophy, she exclaimed: "I'm thrilled to share that I'll be joining 'Dancing with the Stars Belgium' as a judge! @vtm.be. It's time to bring my passion and knowledge to the panel and celebrate the art of dance that unites us all, celebrates diversity and brings people together.
"Teach me some Flemish words that I can use on the show?"
Her Strictly colleagues were quick to congratulate her. Gorka Marquez responded with a simple "Amazing" while Dianne Buswell said: "Amazing congratulations my love."
(Image: Getty Images)
Amy Dowden also cheered on her friend, commenting: "Go on queen! You DESERVE THIS", reports the Mirror. However fans immediately shared their concerns she might quit.
A fan said: 'You will be brilliant, but I hope you don't leave us and that one day you will be a judge here in the UK too.'
Another wrote: 'Well done. Enjoy, but you are not allowed to leave Strictly.' A third commented: 'Congratulations! Hope it means we don't lose you on Strictly!'
One fan asked: 'I hope this doesn't mean you're leaving Strictly in the UK?' A worried fan insisted: 'Congratulations. This is amazing news. But so pleased you are also staying at our Strictly Come Dancing.'
Meanwhile another fan added: 'I hope you are NOT leaving strictly please.'
This announcement comes amid rumours of discontent with last year's Strictly season. According to The Sun , the 35-year-old felt disappointed by how the BBC treated opera singer Wynne Evans, aged 53.
(Image: Eamonn M. McCormack, Getty Images)
A source disclosed to the publication that Katya is quite distressed about the recent events, believing the situation has been exaggerated: "Katya is really upset about what has happened and feel like it's all been blown out of proportion. She was shocked that bosses hauled Wynne in and feels like they have been thrown under the bus. There is only so much drama she can take."
She's set for a comeback later in the year, celebrating a decade with Strictly Come Dancing. On her Instagram, Katya shared a collage of images from the show, teasing a "Strictly Confession". This confession included the "quiet promises" she had made privately "to stay grounded."
Jones will be joined by a number of familiar faces from previous series in the upcoming season of Strictly. Other professional dancers set to return to the show include Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Kai Widdrington, Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Nancy Xu, and Nikita Kuzmin.
Additionally, Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Aljaž Škorjanec, Jowita Przystał, Carlos Gu, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola will be returning to the show. Furthermore, two new professional dancers will be added to the lineup, although their identities have yet to be announced.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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