Strictly Come Dancing stars Katya and Neil Jones have split.
The couple said they will ‘always love each other, just in a different way as friends’.
In a joint statement posted to Instagram, the couple – who both appeared on the BBC show – said: ‘As our fans and loyal supporters you are really important to us and so we wanted to let you know some news.
‘After 11 years, we have made the mutual decision to separate.
‘We will always love each other, just in a different way as friends. This will never change what a great team we make and we are really proud of everything we have achieved together.
‘Our shared love of dance means we will keep working and dancing together as well as exploring individual projects. No matter what we do we will always support and respect each other.
‘We wish one another every happiness and we will remain the best of friends. We are really looking forward to getting back to the ballroom and can’t wait to keep on dancing.
‘Lots of love from us both.’
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Katya, who wed Neil in 2013, was spotted kissing her 2018 Strictly Come Dancing partner Seann Walsh last year while they were both in relationships, giving more weight to the so-called ‘Strictly curse’.
A spokeswoman for the former couple said the controversy had nothing to do with their decision to split, adding that the pair are ‘incredibly close’ and will continue to dance together, both on Strictly and their separate projects.
She said: ‘It would be incorrect and unfair to attribute their separation to one isolated incident.
‘Many people make such a decision to separate when they realise that their relationship has become more of a friendship.
‘They remain the very best of friends and will continue to dance together.’
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‘They’re incredible close, they are still dance partners, will be dancing together and will work on joint projects together as well as being part of the Strictly team and will continue to give each other advice and support in any individual projects,’ she added.
Flinch star Seann, who was then publicly dumped by his then-girlfriend Rebecca Humphries, called it a ‘one-off drunken mistake’.
Katya also apologised on Twitter, stating: ‘I’m so sorry about any offence or hurt I may have caused with my actions.
‘I wasn’t thinking and it was a one-off mistake after some drinks. I love my husband and we are very happy together, this is not a reflection on our relationship.’
The professional dancers went on to appear in a joint TV interview where Katya confirmed she had cut all contact with the comedian.
Neil has always insisted that he never split from Katya following the scandal.
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