BBC Strictly star Katya Jones addresses 'awkwardness' of working with ex Neil Jones

Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones has addressed the "awkwardness" of working with her ex, Neil.

Katya has featured in the BBC competition since 2016 and remains a favourite among the professionals.

She was married to fellow professional Strictly star Neil Jones from 2013 until they split in 2019.

In 2018, videos and photos of Jones kissing her Strictly celebrity partner Seann Walsh circulated, leading her and Neil to announce their split the following year.

However, the two seem to have kept a good relationship and both still work on the show.

Opening up on working with her ex and whether or not if it's there is any "awkwardness," the 35-year-old replied: "Not at all".

Katya and Neil Jones

Speaking to OK!, the Russian dancer continued: "Neil and I have always made it clear that we’re still good friends.

"Everybody knows that. It’s truly nice to see him so happy in life."

Responding to claims she is seen by some as "a man-eater," Jones told the publication: "Whatever anyone wants to make me into, opinions don’t define me, so I don’t connect with them or make life decisions based on that. I just live my life and enjoy it!"

Answering the question all Strictly fans wants to know, she went on to confirm she doesn't yet know if she'll be back for this year's show, but remarked: "Hopefully we'll find out soon".

Neil Jones

The programme has been making headlines all year thanks to the controversy surrounding Giovanni Pernice.

The 33-year-old Italian dancer had claims made against him last year after he was paired with Sherlock star Amanda Abbington, 52.

The actress opted to leave the show in week five and later went on to state she had been diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) following her experience on the show.

She allegedly requested footage of her rehearsals with Pernice, and since then it's been reported other former partners of the choreographer have also made claims.

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Last week, it was reported Pernice "quit" the BBC show over the ongoing claims.

He broke his silence this week, stating: "Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."

He continued: "Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.

"I have always striven to help them be the very best dancer they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win - for me and my dance partners."