According to new reports, one pro dancer has been “saved” after battling for a year to keep her contract.
One Strictly star has reportedly been saved from the chop (Image: Getty)
One of Strictly Come Dancing’s most beloved professionals has reportedly been saved from the chop after the brutal axe of five of her co-stars. Claims that Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas and Karen Hauer have been axed by BBC bosses emerged over the past several days, but now someone else has reportedly renewed her contract.
MailOnline claims that Katya Jones has been handed a lifeline while her co-stars faced the chopping block, with bosses reportedly granting her a contract extension. A source told the publication: “She is not leaving, Katya is remaining on Strictly, the bosses think she’s a legend. They know how much viewers love her and they are also in awe of her choreography talents.”
When the BBC was contacted by Express.co.uk for comment, a spokesperson would only say: “Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be confirmed in due course.”
Katya won the show with Joe McFadden in 2017 and famously danced with GMB presenter Ed Balls at her 2016 debut. She also made history as the first same sex pairing when she danced with Nicola Adams in 2020.
It comes amid major changes for Strictly, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman both handing in their notices at the end of the last series.
Katya Jones is reportedly safe (Image: Getty)
It has also been reported that professional dancers Neil Jones and Nancy Xu won’t have celebrity partners this year and will only feature in group dances.
However, other TV insiders have claimed nothing is confirmed until the show airs later in the year.
Speaking to The Mirror, the source said: “There are going to be some changes this year, it seems like a good moment. But quite a lot of what is being claimed in terms of departures is in the realms of fantasy.
“If Strictly was to lose everyone that’s been suggested, there would hardly be any dancers left. And we’ve got a show to make.”
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