BBC Strictly's Katya Jones's life off screen from co-star affair to finding new love

Dancing is often associated with romance and passion, so it's hardly surprising that many Strictly Come Dancing stars have had their fair share of romantic ups and downs. This includes professional dancer - who has seen both the highs and lows in her personal life.

Since joining the show in 2016, Katya has wowed both judges and audiences alike with her stunning dance routines. Some of her most memorable performances include her now-iconic in series 14, and a Matrix-themed Paso Doble with comedian Seann Walsh in 2018.

One key moment in her Strictly career was when she appeared to fall victim to the 'Strictly curse'. The notorious Strictly 'curse' suggests that taking part in Strictly Come Dancing could potentially wreak havoc on your current relationship.

Over the years, eagle-eyed viewers have spotted this trend among contestants and professional dancers, and it appears that Katya was not immune, reports .

Kiss with Seann Walsh

In 2018, Katya and her partner for that season, Seann Walsh, were photographed sharing a kiss, despite both being in relationships at the time. Seann, who was dating actress Rebecca Humphries, subsequently left for America in the wake of the scandal, and he has since expressed his regret.

During his 2022 stand-up show 'Seann Walsh: Kiss | Full Comedy Special', Seann Walsh quipped about an unexpected turn of events, as he said: "I left the wardrobe department and before I could order my first beer, my agent came over to and asked if he could have a word with me outside. I thought 'he is going to tell me I have got Michael McIntyre's Big Show! I had better act surprised!"

However, the reality struck him hard, as he continued: "Turns out, I didn't have to act surprised. We went into the car park, my agent looked over his glasses and said 'about 20 minutes ago, they posted a photo of you kissing Katya outside a pub'.

"It was at that exact point that my life would turn upside down - the dream turned into a nightmare."

Walsh admitted the gravity of the scandal, saying: "I was in a relationship, my dance partner Katya was married. After training we went for a drink, one thing led to another and we were photographed kissing outside a pub. Awful, I know. It's awful - I'm sorry. I'm still sorry now."

In contrast, Katya Jones, while speaking on The Lovejoy Hour podcast, looked back on the controversy with a level of detachment, claiming it "doesn't define her" and detailing her personal growth since the incident: "Whatever is written or whatever people think, it doesn't matter. I'm so disconnected from it."

Divorcing from Strictly co-star Neil Jones

In 2019, a year after the notorious kiss incident, Katya and Neil Jones decided to end their six-year marriage. Neil has been clear that the Seann Walsh kiss wasn't the reason for their split.

Neil told the press: "We found that we'd grown apart like people do, so we were like, 'OK, let's go our separate ways'. We are lucky that we don't have kids. It had nothing to do with what happened [with Seann]."

He explained that their relationship had remained civil, adding: "We were moving in different directions but we are friends again now. Katya is a great girl and I've got nothing bad to say about her."

Now 42, Neil is enjoying life with Chyna Mills, a former Love Island star. The couple, who are engaged, recently welcomed their daughter Havana Jones into the world.

Neil couldn't hide his joy: "It would be amazing if she wants to be a dancer, but she can be whatever she wants to be."

'Still looking' for new love

Meanwhile, Katya, on the hunt for love early this year, divulged plans for a "husband hunting holiday" to bypass the complexities of modern dating. She told the press: "We will be definitely going on a husband-hunting trip very soon.

"I mean we're constantly husband-hunting. Modern dating is very complicated, I don't always understand men's thinking, but I'd like to think I'm a good judge of character."

Speaking to the Daily Express back in August, Katya talked eagerly about her pursuit of a life partner, saying: "It's going! It's still going! It's still on."

Her good friend, Olympic snowboarder Aimee Fuller, added fuel to the conversation with: "The hunt is on. There are lots of good events in the next few weeks so we will be out, living. That's what it's all about. Good conversation and meeting people is everything."