Katya Jones: Strictly 2019 pro pays tribute to ‘incredible' co-stars amid 'dropped' claims

Katya Jones, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones, uploaded a group shot of her fellow dancers on Instagram.

The 29-year-old stood next to her spouse in the black-and-white picture, which was taken after they appeared on The One Show on Wednesday night.

Katya beamed away in the snap, which also featured Gorka Marquez, Karen Clifton, Oti Mabuse, Pasha Kovalev, AJ Pritchard, Nadiya Bychkova, Dianne Buswell and Giovanni Pernice.

The group performed on the BBC One programme to promote their upcoming Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals tour.

Praising her co-stars, Katya wrote on the snap: “Each of them are incredible, I love them all.”

Her declaration of admiration for the dancers comes amid reports Katya will not be a part of the main line-up for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing .

It was announced earlier this year Katya, who hit the headlines after kissing her celebrity dance partner Seann Walsh last year, would be a part of the professional line-up when the show returns in September.

However, The Sun have now reported she will instead have a “reduced role” on the upcoming series.

An source told the publication: “Katya thinks 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.”

It has been reported bosses gave her an ultimatum saying she could “accept a reduced role as a back-up or walk away”.

The source added it is “frustrating” as the dancer has already put “time and effort” this year’s series.

They continued: “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.”

A representative for Katya Jones told Express.co.uk there is no “evidence” to the story.

They said: “Katya has been confirmed earlier this year as part of the pro lineup but decisions on partnering won’t be made until later in the year after the celebs are confirmed.”

Earlier this week, Katya was all smiles as she attended a Skinny Tan event at 100 Wardour Street, London.

The Russian-born star uploaded a picture of herself in a stunning red leopard print dress, where she showcased the products.

She captioned the upload: “Left the event smelling lovely , because @skinnytanhq smells like coconut island breeze.

“Skinny Tan is paraben-free, sulfate-free not tested on animals and suitable for vegans.”

She added: “Still have only half of my legs tanned but it looks lovely. @100wardourstlounge #ad #tanskinnytan #faketan #dancingdancer #ballroom #latin.”

Strictly Come Dancing 2019 returns to BBC One later this year.

source: express.co.uk