Strictly Come Dancing sparks exit fears after landing huge new role away from BBC show

Katya Jones, the beloved Strictly Come Dancing professional, has announced a momentous career shift as she steps into a new role as a judge.

The ballroom expert expressed her immense excitement to her followers as she divulged details about her latest venture away from the dance floor.

Despite being confirmed as part of the BBC One competition's professional line-up for the upcoming 2025 series commencing this autumn, fans are now speculating whether Katya might be smitten with her new judging responsibilities.

In a glamorous Instagram post clutching a shimmering trophy and donning a stunning pink gown, Katya enthused: "I'm thrilled to share that I'll be joining 'Dancing with the Stars Belgium' as a judge! @vtm.be. 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?"

Her Strictly colleagues didn't hesitate to celebrate her news. Gorka Marquez simply stated "Amazing" while Dianne Buswell gushed: "Amazing congratulations my love."

Amy Dowden echoed their sentiments, proclaiming to Katya: "Go on queen! You DESERVE THIS." However fans immediately shared their concerns she might quit.

One follower said: "You will be brilliant, but I hope you don't leave us and that one day you will be a judge here in the uk too."

Another wrote: "Well done. Enjoy, but you are not allowed to leave Strictly." A third commented: "Congratulations! Hope it means we don't lose you on Strictly!"

One fan asked: "I hope this doesn't mean you're leaving Strictly in the UK?" A worried fan insisted: "Congratulations. This is amazing news. But so pleased you are also staying at our Strictly Come Dancing." Meanwhile another fan added: "I hope you are NOT leaving strictly please."

This career leap comes amidst growing rumours of discontent with last year's Strictly season. Reports from The Sun suggest the 35-year-old dance pro felt betrayed by how the BBC dealt with Wynne Evans, the 53 year old opera star, during the previous series.

An insider revealed to the media: "Katya is really upset about what has happened and feel like it's all been blown out of proportion. She was shocked that bosses hauled Wynne in and feels like they have been thrown under the bus. There is only so much drama she can take."

The beloved Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones is set to make a dazzling comeback later this year, celebrating a decade on the hit dance show. Taking to Instagram, Katya shared a heartfelt "Strictly Confession" alongside a nostalgic montage of her time on the series, opening up about the "quiet promises" she made to herself "to stay grounded.

Katya will be joined by an impressive lineup of returning professionals, including Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Kai Widdrington, Johannes Radebe, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Nancy Xu, and Nikita Kuzmin.

Other familiar faces set to make a comeback include Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Aljaz Skorjanec, Jowita Przysta, Carlos Gu, Neil Jones, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Vito Coppola. Additionally, two new pros, whose identities have yet to be revealed, will be joining the lineup.

Strictly Come Dancing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.