Two Strictly Come Dancing stars ‘suffer injuries at same time’ in rehearsals

Rehearsals for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing have been thrown into chaos with two professional dancers both reportedly suffering injuries.

Katya Jones and ex-husband Neil were injured in what is being described as a ‘crisis’ on set.

Both dancers joined the BBC competition in 2016, as a married couple. The pair split in 2019, but remain an active part of the series.

Their recent injuries meant that neither Neil, 44, nor Katya, 37, were able to attend several pre-recorded group dances ahead of the new series launching on September 19th.

Which, in turn, may mean that they risk not being paired with one of the new celebrities when the series returns.

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With five new professional dancers having joined the show, there is increased competition among the cast to score a celebrity partner.

A source told The Sun: ‘The pro dancers are under the cosh for filming the group dances, which are played throughout the series, and have a hectic schedule.

‘There was a real crisis on set when both Neil and Katya were injured at the same time and there were concerns they wouldn’t be able to recover in time for the series start in two weeks.’

Both Neil and Katya were back on the dance floor by Friday, but by then, the damage had already been done.

‘They were gutted to miss out on the group dances as it guarantees them screen time if they don’t get a partner, which Neil often doesn’t,’ the tabloid’s source continued.

Neil’s last celebrity partner on the show was in 2024, when he was paired with singer Toyah Wilcox.

As for Katya, she danced with Emmerdale star Lewis Cope last year, until his quarter-final exit in 11.

Neil and Katya are among the survivors of this year’s so-called ‘Strictly bloodbath’ which saw five professionals leave the show.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Karen Hauer would be leaving the Strictly after a record-breaking 14-years its longest-serving female professional.

Leaving after ten years was Gorka Márquez and Luba Mushtuk, with Nadiya Bychkova not far behind after nine years.

Michelle Tsiakkas has also left, after four years.

Five new professionals were subsequently announced by the BBC – Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.

Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said: ‘Aleksandra, Cristian, Lethabo, Maddie and Mark are all outstanding world class dancers and we can’t wait to see them shine under the Strictly glitterball this September.’

This comes amid a massive overhaul in which three new presenters have been brought in to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis will host the show every Saturday, along with former professional Johannes Radebe.

Together they’ll usher in a new era of Strictly – hopefully far away from the controversies of last year’s competition.

And what of the celebrities? As ever, fifteen famous faces will take to the dancefloor, including soap stars Lacey Turner and Lawrence Robb.

They’ll join the likes of Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Jaime Winstone and Shaun Wright-Phillips in vying for the elusive Glitterball Trophy in 2026.

Strictly returns to BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

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