Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has hinted she may be leaving the show and moving on to new opportunities, telling fans she’s “not getting any younger”.
The 35-year-old dancer joined the BBC series in 2016 and has teased “exciting” projects for 2025, including a possible judging role.
Jones was paired with opera singer Wynne Evans for the 2024 series, with the couple narrowly missing out on a spot in the finals stage.
Evans and Jones later joined the Strictly Come Dancing Live 2025 tour in January, but their partnership ended abruptly after Evans issued an apology for an “inappropriate” remark about former fan-favourite pro and It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara.
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Evans subsequently withdrew from the tour to “prioritise his wellbeing” while Katya continued performing in group numbers.
However, despite staying within the cast, Jones publicly backed Evans with messages of support on social media.
Now, during a recent Instagram Q&A, Jones suggested she’s looking beyond the famous ballroom whilst acknowledging Strictly has given her a platform.
In the Q&A, she teased upcoming projects, saying: “Actually 2025 is looking very exciting! Quite a few projects and jobs that I’ve been working on for a while!”
When asked about her Strictly future, she said: “I will continue doing it as long as I have the same passion for it. But we are growing and evolving. And not getting any younger.”
She added it was important to “create a future for myself doing things I love.”
Jones has also hinted at a potential judging role in her future. When asked which judge she would most be like, she posed by a ‘judges only’ sign and teased: “Hm… we might get to see soon what kind of judge I am going to be.”
She elaborated on her qualifications, saying: “I’ve got the knowledge and the credentials to be technically demanding, but I have been on the other side for so long that I understand the importance of being compassionate and encouraging.”
It is not the first time the possibility of a Strictly exit for Jones has been rumoured – as she was thought to be furious about response to the treatment of Evans earlier this year.
“Her friends are worried this is making her fall out of love with the show and wonder if she will do it again next year. There is only so much drama she can take,” the source added.
After the tumultuous Strictly live tour concluded in February, Jones took a break from the UK, sharing updates from her travels in Australia.
The 35-year-old shared her thoughts while adventuring in the Western Aussie town of Exmouth. “My mind wasn’t thinking about the past or a future. I was totally present in right here, right now,” the star reflected in an Instagram post.
She added the trip provided her with: “Priceless moments that fill my cup, fill my heart, recharge me, ground me, balance me. What a blessing. What a privilege it is to be alive.”