No.1 FOR TELLY + No.1 FOR TELLY KATYA: I’M Fans help sad star back on her feet
STRICTLY star Katya Jones says she has moved on from her year of hell.
Her reputation was in tatters after she was caught cheating with her celebrity dance partner Seann Walsh, who had a girlfriend.
Just months later it emerged Katya’s marriage to Strictly co-star Neil Jones had fallen apart.
But as she makes her return to primetime TV for the new series, Katya,
30, is determined to make a fresh start. Talking about last autumn’s snogging scandal with comic Seann, 33, she said: “I’ve moved past that. Once people stop talking about it then we’ll definitely be over it!”
And on her split from dancer Neil,
37, she added: “We’re very supportive of each other. It’s lovely. He still shares things with me. We go to each other and say, ‘What do you think of that… what do you think of this?’ It’s our life. We’re always going to share it.
“And we still have dances together for Strictly. We had a whole day on Thursday working on a routine. ”
Katya is thrilled to see Neil competing with a celebrity partner for the first time – former England footballer Alex Scott, 34.
She added: “Neil has all the credentials to do this. He’s very qualified. I’m so proud to see him.
“He’s focusing on it and it’s really exciting.
“I’ve watched them rehearse and NEW girl Motsi Mabuse was certainly out to prove herself. Clad in a glitter suit, the show’s latest judge burst on to the stage with a shoulder shimmy that surely even Len would have given a 10.
But is she all trousers and no mouth?
Along with her he’s doing so well.” Katya is also coping with her marriage breakdown thanks to support from viewers.
She added: “Strictly fans have been amazing. They love me and Neil. They’re always there for us. That’s lovely.”
Katya has been paired up with BBC presenter Mike Bushell, 53, for the new series. And so far she’s loved spending time with him.
She said: “I’ve been very lucky. Teaching someone to dance is my job. So to have someone who is so enthusiastic who gives 150% and is really listening and is being a good pupil is amazing. Mike says to me, ‘I want to do all of the moves…the riskier the better.’
“It is great for my imagination and creativity.
“There are no limits to him and we’re going to go to town with risks.
“To see the results as a teacher is the best feeling ever.
“I’m there to make sure Mike has the best experience.
“If he comes out and feels like he’s had the best time of his life and he’s enjoyed every second of it, then that’s my job done.”
Katya and Mike danced a jive in a bid to stay on the show but she insists she would be happy to see her ex Neil beat them.
She said: “The thing is I’ve got the Glitterball at the end of the day because I won a few years ago.
“It would be really nice for them to get it this year.”