Katya Jones’ Strictly Come Dancing pairing hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons back in 2018 when she was pictured kissing Seann Walsh, but now, two years later, the media attention is 100% welcome because the 31-year-old is making history as one half of the first ever same-sex couple on Strictly.
It was announced on Saturday’s launch show that Katya would be pairing with Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams for the latest series of the hit BBC show, and it’s safe to say she’s pretty excited.
Sharing a sweet photo of the two of them together to Instagram, Katya bragged about her new dance partner.
She captioned the image, “Twice Olympic champion, World and European Games champion at flyweight, and won the entire set of amateur championships available to her- Olympic, Commonwealth and European Games’ titles, and the World, European and European Union championships.
“First female boxer to become an Olympic champion. Excuse me, what??? Yes! Here’s my partner @nicolaadamsobe. But really, her smile will win your heart over! I’ve been buzzing ever since the moment that giant glitter ball lifted!”
CHECK OUT the official Strictly Come Dancing 2020 line-up and their dance partners
Strictly Come Dancing 2020 official pairings
1 of 12Nicola Adams and Katya Jones
Former Boxer Nicola Adams and pro dancer Katya Jones are making history on the show this year, being unveiled as the first ever same-sex pairing on Strictly!
2 of 12HRVY and Janette Manrara
Singer and YouTube star HRVY has been paired with Janette Manrara.
3 of 12Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse
Comedian Bill Bailey has been paired with 2019 Strictly champion Oti Mabuse.
4 of 12Maisie Smith and Gorka Márquez
EastEnders actress Maisie Smith will dance alongside popular pro Gorka Márquez.
5 of 12Jacqui Smith and Anton Du Beke
Former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has been paired with Strictly legend Anton Du Beke.
6 of 12Clara Amfo and Aljaž Škorjanec
Radio and TV presenter Clara Amfo will dance alongside Aljaž Škorjanec.
7 of 12Caroline Quentin and Johannes Radebe
Actress Caroline Quentin has been paired alongside Johannes Radebe.
8 of 12Max George and Dianne Buswell
The Wanted singer Max George has been paired with Strictly 2018 finalist Dianne Buswell.
9 of 12Ranvir Singh and Giovanni Pernice
Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh will dance alongside Strictly favourite Giovanni Pernice.
10 of 12JJ Chalmers and Amy Dowden
TV presenter and Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers will be paired with pro dancer Amy Dowden.
11 of 12Jason Bell and Luba Mushtuk
Former American footballer Jason Bell will be under guidance from pro dancer Luba Mushtuk.
12 of 12Jamie Laing and Karen Hauer
Following his injury last year, Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing will work alongside Karen Hauer in the 2020 series.
Fans were quick to show their appreciation for the BBC’s decision with one individual commenting, “I am so excited to see this amazing pairing I can’t wait for the first dance.”
Whilst another said, “I used to dance in an all ladies partnership, it’s amazing that Strictly has included one this year!”
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Nicola also shared their selfie to her own Instagram page and is seemingly just as excited as Katya is.
She said, “I’m so happy and excited to finally announce my partner @mrs_katjones I couldn’t have been paired with a better partner than a fellow champion in her own right and I can’t wait to see what creative dance routines Katya comes up with. Are you ready for the first dance!?”
We definitely are, and judging by the fact that 8.6 million people tuned in to watch the Strictly Come Dancing launch at the weekend, it appears that we’re not alone.