Strictly Come Dancing pro Katya Jones has an exciting new role to look forward to as a reality show judge weeks after signing up to her tenth series of the BBC dance contest
Katya Jones announced she’s landed a brand new job(Image: Getty Images)
Strictly long-server Katya Jones has landed new role as a judge as she confirmed a huge career move.
The dancing pro has told fans she is ‘thrilled’ as she shared an update on her move away from the ballroom. Katya was recently named alongside the cast of the BBC One contest’s pro-line up for the 2025 series, which will kick off this Autumn – but fans are wondering if she’s about to catch the judging bug.
Sharing a picture of herself holding onto a golden trophy while looking sensational in a pink maxi dress, she wrote on Instagram: “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 co-stars were quick to show her support. Gorka Marquez wrote: “Amazing” as Dianne Buswell commented: “Amazing congratulations my love.” Amy Dowden was also delighted for her friends and responded to her post: “Go on queen! You DESERVE THIS.”
Here move comes as speculation mounts she’s not happy with last year’s series. According to The Sun, the 35-year-old feels let down by the BBC’s treatment of opera singer Wynne Evans 53.
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A source told the publication: “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 will be back later this year and her Strictly return will mark ten years on the programme. Katya took to her Instagram page with a post that featured a montage of photos of herself on the show and said she had “Strictly Confession” to make and that included the “quiet promises” she made to herself “to stay grounded.”
“The first came from my very first BBC briefing, where I learned something that’s stayed with me ever since: Strictly is an entertainment show with dance at its heart. I made it my mission never to lose sight of that simple truth,” Katya began. Her second rule was to always be her “true, authentic self… because performing is one thing, but pretending to be someone you’re not is exhausting, and it doesn’t last.”
Katya continued: “And third — perhaps most importantly — I told myself that the moment I stopped loving this job, would be the moment I walk away. This role demands passion, energy, and an all-in commitment. You simply can’t do it half-heartedly. Each year when the producers ask if I’d like to return, I pause and ask myself: Are you still in love with it? And every single time, the answer has been a firm YES. This year was no different. Nothing fulfils me quite like this ‘job’.
“It is a true privilege to be part of something that brings joy to so many. To help light up Saturday nights, to be part of a show that’s become such a cherished part of the nation’s heart — it means the world. Happy 10th anniversary, Strictly. I can confess – I am still totally head over heels for you.”
Katya isn’t the only pro returning for the next series of Strictly. The line-up will also include Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Kai Widdrington, Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Nancy Xu and Nikita Kuzmin.Gorka Márquez, Luba Mushtuk, Aljaž Škorjanec, Jowita Przystał, Carlos Gu, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola will also return. And there will be two new pros, who are yet to be announced, in the line-up.
