Strictly rehearsals thrown into ‘real crisis’ after two senior pro dancers suffer injuries at same time

REHEARSALS for Strictly were disrupted when two of the show’s senior pro dancers suffered injuries. Katya Jones, 37, and her ex-husband Neil, 44, were both forced to pull out of several rehearsal days last week. Katya Jones, 37, and her ex-husband Neil, 44, were both forced to pull out of several rehearsal days last week Credit: Splash News The absences jeopardise their chances of being paired with one of the celebrities for the launch of the latest series Credit: Getty – Contributor It meant they missed being part of several pre-recorded group dances for the BBC1 production at Elstree Studios — but were both back on the dancefloor on Friday. The absences jeopardise their chances of being paired with one of the celebrities for the launch of the latest series on September 19. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! A source said: “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. “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.” Five new dancers have joined this year to increase competition among the pros for one of the spots dancing with the celebrities. The new arrivals have left the older pros fearing they will not be given celebrity partners. A BBC spokesman declined to comment. Most read in TV Comment now