STRICTLY’S Katya Jones has taken a swipe at her ex-husband Neil and said “we were never really good”.
The professional dancers were married for six years and together for 11 when they decided to separate in summer 2019.
This week, Katya appeared on Strictly’s spin-off show It Takes Two alongside the show’s Amy Dowden, as the pair competed in a samba pro challenge.
It Takes Two host Janette Manrara asked their predictions for how the other pros might do in the challenge.
She asked: “Out of the pros left, who do you ladies think will be a good challenger for the 33 at the top?”.
“I am saying Neil this year,” said Amy.
But Katya joked: “Why does everyone say Neil? We were never good at Samba!”
Janet replied: “Well we will have to wait and find out, there is still plenty more to go.”
She then turned to Katya and said: “Neil will love you for that one!” as the pair giggled together.
In the episode, Katya and Amy both had to complete as many Samba steps as they could in front of judge Shirley Ballas.
In the end, Amy beat Katya, scoring 33 and going above her to take the top spot on the leader board.
Katya and Neil split just ten months after Katya was spotted snogging her dance partner Seann Walsh back in 2019.
The couple didn’t specify a reason behind their break-up, other than citing that they loved each other “just in a different way as friends.”
In a joint statement, they said: “Hi everyone. As our fans and loyal supporters you are really important to us and so we wanted to let you know some news. After 11 years we have made the mutual decision to separate.
“We will always love each other, just in a different way as friends. This will never change what a great team we make and we are really proud of everything we have achieved together.
“Our shared love of dance means we will keep working and dancing together as well as exploring individual projects. No matter what we do we will always support and respect each other.
“We wish one another every happiness and we will remain the best of friends. We are really looking forward to getting back to the ballroom and can’t wait to keep on dancing. Lots of love from us both xx”
However despite the very civil statement, an insider exclusively revealed to The Sun: “The infidelity highlighted problems within the relationship and made it impossible for them to get back on track.
“They are determined not to let their split affect Strictly as it’s their main source of income.
“They’re being guided by how Kevin and Karen Clifton handled their split.”
The source said: “The public were not buying into them together any more.”
