Katya Jones found herself at the center of one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most infamous scandals when she was caught in a controversial moment with her dance partner Seann Walsh. The incident overshadowed their 2018 dance partnership, sparking discussions about the so-called ‘Strictly curse’ following their public kiss outside a London pub.

The fallout from the scandal resulted in the end of Walsh’s relationship with actress Rebecca Humphries. Meanwhile, Jones, who was married to fellow Strictly pro Neil Jones at the time, later separated from him in the subsequent year. In an exclusive interview with OK! magazine, Katya shared a valuable piece of advice she received from her mother during a challenging period.

Reflecting on her experience, Katya admitted that she initially struggled to navigate the intense public scrutiny, recounting a moment when she broke down in her car after reading negative online comments. Despite seeking comfort, her mother’s response surprised her, urging her to toughen up and focus on her job as she had willingly embraced its challenges.

While facing ups and downs, including last year’s controversies with partner Wynne Evans, Katya emphasized her personal growth over the past few years and expressed contentment with her current state. She credited her longevity on Strictly to staying authentic to herself, both on and off the show, which she believes has been crucial for her decade-long tenure.

Looking back on her journey, Katya expressed no regrets, noting that every experience has contributed to shaping her character today, with many amusing anecdotes to share at social gatherings.