KATYA Jones is eyeing a spot on the Strictly judging panel – as she’s become increasingly aware her time as a dancer on the show won’t last forever.
The 36-year-old has been working as a judge on the Belgian version of the programme, and it’s given her some clarity as to where her future lies, when she does eventually hang up her dancing shoes.
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Speaking to OK magazine, she says: “I know my body won’t let me dance at this level forever, so I’m already thinking about the future.
“Judging on Dancing With The Stars Belgium this year was a dream. I loved every second.
“It felt natural and I realised I can bring something different to the panel, not just as a champion dancer but also from years of guiding celebs as a pro.
“So don’t be surprised if you see me eyeing up a judge’s chair for good.”
And her Strictly shelf life isn’t the only thing Katya’s become increasingly aware of in recent times, with the single star, previously married to fellow Strictly pro Neil Jones, saying she’s now started thinking about freezing her eggs.
She says: “It gives you that peace of mind so you don’t feel like you’re being rushed. It’s liberating to have options.
“But, you know, I might meet someone tomorrow. Things change so quickly. Maybe we’ll be having this conversation in a year’s time and I’ll be married with kids.
“So I’m exploring it, but I’m really hopeful I’ll meet someone.”
Katya danced with opera singer Wynne Evans on the 20th anniversary series of the BBC 1 dance show, before he was dropped by the BBC for using “innapropriate language” at the launch of the Strictly tour.
And Wynne, best known for his role in the Go Compare commercials, recently revealed he and Katya are no longer in touch.
He was asked by a listener on his radio show if he and Katya remained in contact after he was suspended from the tour.
Wynne said: “No, I’m not in contact with any of them.
“I think that when I was released from the tour I’ve heard although this may not be true. I’ve heard that they were told not to contact me.”
“And so whilst I’ve had a few emails, a few messages from them since, not really no, I’m not in contact with any of them at all. None of them.”
Although he suggested that while people from the Strictly judging panel had contacted him, the dancers are “too scared” of losing their jobs.
He said: “There are some people that did message me, I won’t mention their names.
“There are some people that could do more, and when I asked, they said they had to check with the own PR first before they could come out and support me.
“Some people were really good, you can tell from the blue ticks that have liked my post. I have had some lovely chats with some of the judges.
“I got on really well with Katya.”
Katya and Neil were married for six years before they split in 2019.
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