Katya and Neil in a spin over tour snub
STRICTLY pro couple Katya and Neil Jones put on a heartstopping dance display – just before learning they have been axed from the forthcoming Strictly UK tour.
The 39-year-old Russian and her British husband, 35, put on a loved-up front as they performed at Karen Hardy Dance Studios’ 10th Anniversary Gala in London on Wednesday night.
A host of stars, including Sir Bruce Forsyth’s widow Lady Wilnelia, 61, watched as the couple tore up the dance floor with an incredibly acrobatic routine.
Fears that they had fallen foul of the Strictly curse were sparked when Katya was photographed sharing a drunken kiss with dance partner Seann Walsh in October.
Comedian Seann’s girlfriend of five years, actress Rebecca Humphries, 31, publicly dumped him after the pictures emerged. Seann, 32, and Katya issued a public apology on spin-off show It Takes Two, referring to the moment as a “mistake”. The pair were later voted off the BBC One show and last week it was revealed that Seann has also been cut from the live shows. Meanwhile, it was confirmed that seven couples will take part in the arena tour of 29 shows in the new year, along with all the
Strictly judges.
And the 2016 series winner
Ore
Oduba will again be hosting the shows, which kick off on January 18. Competition favourite Stacey Dooley will take part along with fellow celebrity competitors including Graeme Swann, Ashley Roberts and Faye Tozer. Former Pussycat Doll Ashley said: “The costumes, the crowds and the cha-cha-cha – I’m having the time of my life on Strictly and can’t wait to get my dance shoes back on for the tour.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to start the new year.” Former Steps star Faye said: “I love going on tour, so to be asked to join the Strictly Live Tour is such an honour and I cannot wait to meet all the fans.” The couples are Graeme and Karen Clifton, Faye and Giovanni Pernice, Stacey and Aljaz Skorjanec, Ashley and Pasha Kovalev, Dr Ranj Singh and Janette Manrara, Lauren Steadman and AJ Pritchard and Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell. Stacey’s series partner Kevin Clifton will be busy touring in the musical Rock of Ages.