UPDATE: |BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones admits ‘pausing’ when asked to return amid Wynne Evans assessment News

The dancer will be among the professional dancers returning to the ballroom later this year after the BBC confirmed the line-up

Katya Jones has revealed the reason she ‘pauses’ when asked if she wants to return to Strictly Come Dancing as her future on the show was confirmed.

The dancer will be among the professional dancers returning to the ballroom later this year after the BBC confirmed the line-up of pros for the 2025 run of the hit dance show.

Alongside Katya, returning for series 23 are Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola.

The BBC also revealed last week that two brand new professional dancers will also be joining the lin-up, with the new pros set to be revealed closer to the return of the show.

The pro dancers were quick to take to social media to share their own messages about their returns let her fans in on the rules she makes for herself in order to appear on Strictly each year, with the 2025 run set to mark her 10th year on the show.

She took to her Instagram page with a post that featured a montage of photos of herself on the show and said she had “Strictly Confession” to make and that included the “quiet promises” she made to herself “to stay grounded.”

“The first came from my very first BBC briefing, where I learned something that’s stayed with me ever since: Strictly is an entertainment show with dance at its heart. I made it my mission never to lose sight of that simple truth,” Katya began.

Her second rule was to always be her “true, authentic self… because performing is one thing, but pretending to be someone you’re not is exhausting, and it doesn’t last.”Katya continue: “And third — perhaps most importantly — I told myself that the moment I stopped loving this job, would be the moment I walk away. This role demands passion, energy, and an all-in commitment. You simply can’t do it half-heartedly.

“Each year when the producers ask if I’d like to return, I pause and ask myself: Are you still in love with it? And every single time, the answer has been a firm YES. This year was no different. Nothing fulfils me quite like this ‘job’.

“It is a true privilege to be part of something that brings joy to so many. To help light up Saturday nights, to be part of a show that’s become such a cherished part of the nation’s heart — it means the world. Happy 10th anniversary, Strictly. I can confess – I am still totally head over heels for you.”

And fans were quick to respond to the news. @katiebrophyx said: “Cannot believe this is your 10th series, where did the time go!!! Can’t wait to cheer you on as always, wouldn’t be the same without you. Let’s go!!!”

@rhiannon_dv commented: “Congratulations Katya, I can’t wait to cheer you on for your 10th series, I always love watching you shine on Strictly!!!” @julie.a_1984 wrote: “I’m so pleased you are back Katya! You are my favourite and by far, the most creative dancer Strictly has ever seen!” @ghostwarrior105 added: “Excited to see you back for another year – love your creativity and the joy you bring.”

Meanwhile, has defended her former dance partner Wynne Evans after he was forced to leave the Strictly Live tour earlier this year. The 35-year-old dancer spoke warmly about the Welsh opera singer despite his recent controversies.

“I can only obviously speak from my personal experience, but I thought Wynne was incredible,” Katya told The Sun’s Fabulous magazine on Sunday (April 13).

She added: “We spent a huge amount of time together and we had a brilliant partnership. We got on like a house on fire.”