Katya Jones ‘axed from Strictly over Seann Walsh snog’

She was caught up in a scandal in 2018

Seann Walsh and Katya Jones

by Alex Ross |
Updated on

Rewind your minds back to last year's Strictly Come Dancing and you'll remember the kissing scandal between comedian Seann Walsh and his professional partner Katya Jones, which led to Seann's girlfriend publicly dumping him online.

Despite Seann's humiliation, Katya's husband, fellow Strictly professional Neil Jones, was more forgiving, staying with his wife of three years.

But now, as rumours swirl about which celebs could appear on the 2019 series, it is being reported that Katya has been given a reduced role as a back-up dancer, whilst her husband Neil will be given a celeb partner for the first time.

Neil and Katya Jones
©Neil and Katya Jones © Getty Images

An insider told The Sun, "Katya 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."

They added, "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."

Meanwhile, it was back in March when BBC bosses confirmed which professional dancers would be returning to the show, however, they didn't state which roles they'd have at the time.

Check out which Strictly professionals are returning in 2019:

Gallery

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 professionals slider

AJ Pritchard1 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

AJ Pritchard

In 2018 AJ was partnered with Lauren Steadman.

Aljau017e u0160korjanec2 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Aljaž Škorjanec

In 2018 Aljaž was partnered with Kate Silverton.

Amy Dowden3 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Amy Dowden

In 2018 Amy was partnered with Danny John-Jules.

Anton Du Beke4 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Anton Du Beke

In 2018 Anton was partnered with Susannah Constantine.

Dianne Buswell5 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Dianne Buswell

In 2018 Dianne was partnered with Joe Suggs, who she later confirmed she was dating.

Giovanni Pernice6 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Giovanni Pernice

In 2018 Giovanni was partnered with singer Faye Tozer.

Gorka Marquez7 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Gorka Marquez

In 2018 Gorka was partnered with Katie Piper.

Graziano Di Prima8 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Graziano Di Prima

In 2018 Graziano was partnered with Vick Hope.

Janette Manrara9 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Janette Manrara

In 2018 Janette was partnered with This Morning's Dr Ranj.

Johannes Radebe10 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Johannes Radebe

In 2018 Johannes was a reserve dancer, giving amazing performances in the group routines.

Karen Clifton11 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Karen Clifton

In 2018 Karen was partnered with Casualty actor Charles Venn.

Katya Jones12 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Katya Jones

In 2018 Katya was partnered with comedian Seann Walsh, with major drama surrounding the pair after they were spotted kissing.

Kevin Clifton13 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Kevin Clifton

In 2018 Kevin won the show with Stacey Dooley.

Luba Mushtuk14 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Luba Mushtuk

In 2018 Luba was a reserve dancer and choreographer.

Nadiya Bychkova15 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Nadiya Bychkova

In 2018 Nadiya was partnered with Lee Ryan.

Neil Jones16 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Neil Jones

In 2018 Neil was a reserve dancer and choreographer.

Oti Mabuse17 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Oti Mabuse

In 2018 Oti was partnered with Graeme Swann.

Nancy Xu18 of 18
CREDIT: u00a9 BBC Pictures

Nancy Xu

Chinese dancer Nancy Xu is new to the 2019 series.

Although the professional dancers have been confirmed, bosses are yet to reveal who will replace Darcey Bussell on the judging panel, after she sensationally quit her role after seven years on the show.

She told fans, 'It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team,' she wrote. 'I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.'

Strictly Come Dancing will return later in the year.

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