BBC Strictly dealt worrying bombshell as two pros suffer injuries just weeks before launch
Strictly Come Dancing professionals Katya Jones and her former husband Neil Jones are believed to have both been struck down by injuries during rehearsals last week, throwing preparations for the new series into disarray.
The pair, who first joined the BBC competition together in 2016 before splitting in 2019, were reportedly forced to withdraw from several days of rehearsals at Elstree Studios.
Their absence meant that Ms Jones, 37, and Mr Jones, 44, were unable to take part in a number of pre-recorded group routines intended for use throughout the upcoming series.
Both dancers managed to make it back to the studio floor on Friday, when the final batch of pre-recorded group numbers was filmed.
Katya and Neil Jones are believed to have suffered injuries before the launch show
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BBC
They are also expected to feature in further group performances alongside their fellow professionals in the weeks ahead, following the show’s established pattern from previous years.
The BBC declined to comment on the injuries.
An insider described the situation as a genuine behind-the-scenes emergency.
“There was a real crisis on set when both Neil and Katya were injured at the same time and there were concerns they wouldn’t be able to recover in time for the series start in two weeks,” a source told The Sun.
The cast of Strictly 2026
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BBC
The demanding filming schedule for the professional dancers was cited as a contributing factor. “The pro dancers are under the cosh for filming the group dances, which are played throughout the series, and have a hectic schedule,” the source said.
Missing the pre-recorded routines was a particular blow for the former couple, who were said to be deeply disappointed.
“They were gutted to miss out on the group dances as it guarantees them screen time if they don’t get a partner, which Neil often doesn’t,” the source added.
The injuries could not have come at a worse moment, with their prospects of securing a celebrity dance partner for the September 19 launch show now potentially in jeopardy.
Katya and Neil Jones
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BBC
Competition for those coveted pairings has intensified significantly this year, with five new professional dancers joining the ranks.
Mr Jones has historically been among those most frequently overlooked when partnerships are assigned.
His most recent celebrity pairing came in 2024, when he danced with singer Toyah Willcox. Ms Jones fared better last series, partnering Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope until his departure at the quarter-final stage.
15 celebrities are confirmed for the new series, including EastEnders star Lacey Turner, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Australian singer Delta Goodrem and former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Katya Jones (centre) is one of the stars reportedly injured
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BBC
Elsewhere, five established professionals departed earlier this year, including Karen Hauer after a record 14 years as the show’s longest-serving female dancer, Gorka Márquez and Luba Mushtuk after a decade each, Nadiya Bychkova following nine series, and Michelle Tsiakkas after four years.
Their replacements were unveiled as Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita in the summer.
The presenting line-up has also been transformed, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and former professional Johannes Radebe stepping in after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure. Meanwhile, Ellie Taylor takes over the It Takes Two spin-off from Janette Manrara and Fleur East.
Celebrity pairings will also be revealed differently this year, with contestants discovering their partners in front of the studio audience through three specially choreographed group routines during the launch show.
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