Katya Jones Reveals Strictly Return Doubts After Exit

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Katya Jones revealed she considered leaving the BBC competition after her quarter-final elimination with Lewis Cope last year, saying the result left her questioning whether she could return for another series.

Jones, 37, told the Daily Mail that she had doubts about continuing after the pair missed a place in the semi-final despite strong performances during the series. Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin advanced after the dance-off.

Jones said her long career on the program requires genuine commitment and passion before returning each year.

"I'm not going to lie, after a certain amount of years, and only because I know I would not want to walk into this job without genuine passion and love for it because it's not fair on our fans, it's not fair on the celebrities and the experience that I'm supposed to be giving them," said Katya Jones, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer.

The dancer also described the emotional impact of last year's result and the pressure created by expectations around the competition.

"Every year I do question myself, like really think, 'Are you ready for this really intense, really all consuming thing again and again and again and again?' Every time I ask myself, and if the answer is still yes, I'll be here doing it. And I must say, last year I was very heartbroken. So there was a lot of doubt, like, 'Can I face it again?'" said Katya Jones, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer.

Jones added that reaching the final had seemed possible before the unexpected exit with Cope, an Emmerdale actor who was her celebrity partner.

"You kind of see yourself getting all the way there, and then to have had it cut short, was a little bit tough," said Katya Jones, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer.

After returning for the new series, Jones was paired with content creator John Nellis and said the show provides a shared experience for viewers and participants.

"We are giving the nation something to look forward to and get through the winter," said Katya Jones, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer.

Jones and Nellis started strongly, scoring 31 points out of 40 for their Foxtrot in the first live show. Their Couples' Choice routine inspired by Titanic later received 23 points.

According to Digital i ratings data reported by The Mirror, a Sunday episode drew 4.5 million viewers compared with 6.2 million viewers for the same stage last year. The first live show reportedly reached a peak of 5 million viewers.

Jones previously won the Glitterball Trophy with Joe McFadden and became known for memorable routines, including her partnership with Ed Balls during her early years on Strictly.

Amy Dowden also reflected on leaving the competition with Chris Appleton after the first dance-off of the series.

"Watching Chris grow in confidence, although it was short-lived, only two weeks, that is what I'll take away. Obviously, I'm heartbroken. This seems to be my luck the last few years, but my heart is only breaking because I don't get to dance with you on Monday," said Amy Dowden, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer.

Strictly Come Dancing continues its current series with Jones and Nellis among the remaining competing pairs.