Strictly Come Dancing's Katya Jones sends 'annual' message to ex-husband Neil Jones liennhi

Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones(Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones has sent her ‘annual’ emotional message to her ex-husband Neil Jones.

Katya has been a fan favourite on the BBC programme since 2016, winning the show in her second attempt with Holby City’s Joe McFadden. 

Viewers last saw Katya partnered with Wynne Evans, who stepped back from the show’s live tour earlier in the year over an 'inappropriate' remark during the tour's launch. 

Away from the programme, Kaya tied the knot to her fellow Strictly cast member Neil in 2013 after five years of dating.

However, the couple announced their split in 2019, just one years after Katya was involved in a kissing scandal with comedian Seann Walsh, who she was paired with on Strictly.

Despite no longer being together, Katya and Neil are still close friends and feature on each other’s social media platforms. 

Taking to her Instagram story on Sunday (May 4), Katya shared an old photo of her and Neil to mark his birthday.

Neil Jones and Katya Jones(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

“This photo comes out every year! Happy Birthday @mr_njonesofficial,” she wrote. 

Announcing their split in 2019, the couple said in a joint statement: “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." 

"It’s time to bring my passion and knowledge to the panel and celebrate the art of dance that unites us all, celebrates diversity and brings people together. Teach me some Flemish words that I can use on the show,” she said.

While her work schedule remains hectic, Katya will be back on Strictly later this year for her 10th series as a pro dancer. 

Alongside Katya, returning for series 23 are Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal and Johannes Radebe.

Completing the line-up will be Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.