Strictly Come Dancing Star Katya Jones Reveals She Almost Quit After Her Heartbreaking Exit With Lewis Cope — As The Professional Dancer Opens Up About The Emotional Struggle Behind Her Return

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Comprehensive Deep-Dive: Katya Jones Admits She Almost Quit Strictly Come Dancing Following “Heartbroken” Quarter-Final Elimination

Longtime Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Katya Jones has revealed she seriously considered walking away from the hit BBC series after enduring a devastating exit last season.

1. Reconsidering the Show After Last Year’s Shock Exit

Opening up about the emotional toll of the intense dance competition, Jones confessed that her exit during the 2025 series nearly marked the end of her run on the show.

Heartbroken' Katya Jones reveals she almost QUIT Strictly after she and partner Lewis Cope were eliminated in last year's quarter finals | Daily Mail Online

  • The Heartbreaking Elimination: During the previous season, Jones was partnered with actor Lewis Cope, and the pair quickly became bookmakers’ favorites to lift the glitterball trophy. However, they suffered a shock elimination in the quarter-finals, leaving the dancer deeply shaken.
  • Doubting a Return: Admitting that she questions her participation every year due to the grueling, all-consuming nature of the production, Jones confessed that the sudden end to her journey with Cope left her questioning whether she could face the potential heartbreak again.
  • Carrying the Guilt: In emotional post-elimination interviews last year, a tearful Jones blamed herself for not tailoring routines better to help Cope, though he consistently praised her choreography and guidance.

    Katya Jones almost quit Strictly Come Dancing after brutal Lewis Cope moment - The Mirror

2. A Fresh Start and Strong Momentum for the 2026 Series

Despite her initial doubts, Jones decided to return for the 2026 series, a choice that has immediately paid off on the dancefloor.

Katya Jones almost quit Strictly Come Dancing after brutal Lewis Cope moment - The Mirror

  • Current Partnership: For the current season, Jones is paired with popular online personality and YouTube star John Nellis.
  • An Impressive Start: The newly formed duo hit the ground running, dominating the leaderboard in week one and quickly positioning themselves among the early frontrunners to win the entire competition.