Strictly professional sadly splits with footballer boyfriend to 'focus on show'

29 October 2023 , 11:33

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Strictly professional sadly splits with footballer boyfriend to 'focus on show'

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Katya Jones has reportedly split from property mogul and ex-footballer William Abbotts.

The 34-year-old Russian-born star is partnering actor Nigel Harman, 50, in the BBC dance competition and a source close to the pro dancer has told The Sun that she is now focusing on getting as far as she can in this year's Strictly alongside Nigel. The source reportedly admitted that "the union ran its course" and said that Katya "is single."

After another solid performance on Strictly when the Nigel and Katya were awarded 30 points by the judges, the pro dancer has a quiet feeling that she could go all the way to the final with the Casualty star. The source added: "She knows she has a strong chance of making it to the final this year. She doesn’t want any distractions.”

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones have an 'intense chemistry' according to body language experts (PA)

The pairing have been getting on well and have spent time together away from the gruelling training and rehearsal schedule for the BBC show. They enjoyed lunch together in the week and Nigel said about the break: "This is our luxurious lunch area today, we are sitting in a famous park in London with the birds all around us, who are basically standing there saying 'give us some food' while my legs seize up."

When asked how she is feeling this week, Katya replied to Nigel: "I'm very happy actually...to be outside."

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

Katya was previously married to co-star Neil Jones (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

The alleged split comes after a body language expert spoke out about the "level of intensity" there is between Katya and Nigel when they dance together. Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, body language expert Darren Stanton told Daily Star : "Nigel and Katya's connection has been strong from day one. Nigel does like to keep things close to his chest, but I can definitely tell they have a reciprocal liking on and off the dance floor." Darren explained: "The level of intensity between Nigel and Katya is huge. Just from looking at subtle giveaways with prolonged eye gazes and comforting here and there."

PR expert Dom Aldwroth, Head of Brand Marketing at Slingo, echoed this statement and said that fans had also noticed how well the pairing danced together. Dom said: "Talk of Nigel and Katya's chemistry sparked amongst Strictly fans after their Paso Doble in the opening week. The pair then added fuel to the fire after Nigel kissed Katya on the cheek following their Viennese Waltz in week two."

James Brinsford