Katya Jones admits she was 'gutted' co-star missed out on BBC Strictly host role as she addresses new line-up

Katya Jones has shared her honest opinion on the all-new Strictly Come Dancing hosting line-up ahead of the 2026 series.Earlier this year, the BBC dance competition unveiled Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe as its new hosts, taking over from Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly. The pair announced their departures back in October 2025, with Ms Daly having served as the face of Strictly since the show's inception.It's not just in the hosting line-up that Strictly has undergone an overhaul either. Several pro dancers have departed the series, and the show's logo and theme have had a makeover. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The first few celebrities to join the line-up have already been confirmed, including reality star Dani Dyer and EastEnders legend Lacey Turner.So speaking to GB News at this year's Tric Awards, there was only one place to start with professional dancer Ms Jones.Speaking of the upcoming series and her excitement, Ms Jones said: It's about four weeks for me as a professional dancer.So we'll be in the rehearsal room getting all these beautiful dances for you. So yeah, it seems to come around very quickly.Ms Jones confirmed there were a lot of subtle changes happening with the show, before addressing the show's new-look presenting team directly.Look, obviously we don't know how the new dynamics are going to work, but I'm pretty sure they've done all the chemistry tests, and it's going to be fabulous, she praised.Turning her attention to Mr Radebe specifically, Ms Jones added: I'm so happy for Johannes.And I think what's (good) for us as well as professionals, what's lovely, is to know that there is room for growth. LATEST DEVELOPMENTSPatrick Christys sends sweet Eamonn Holmes message ahead of GB News triumph at Tric Awards - EXCLUSIVENana Akua reflects on 5 years with GB News as she shares sweet message to viewers at Tric Awards - EXCLUSIVE Lizzie Cundy explains exactly why she's proud of GB News on Tric Awards red carpet - EXCLUSIVEWe're not pigeonholed as just being a dancer. Because I think a professional dancer is one of the hardest things to overcome.While undoubtedly happy for Mr Radebe, there was one member of the Strictly family Ms Jones felt was hard done by.We've seen Janette (Manrara) moving on (and) doing a presenter's job, she continued, referring to the now-former It Takes Two star.And I'm really gutted for her because I think, in my eyes, she was always the perfect content contender for the job.However, Ms Jones isn't letting the disappointment of Ms Manrara missing out on the gig dampen her optimism for the new series.But don't we all love Johannes? He's just loved by the nation, so it's beautiful to see.Ms Manrara and her It Takes Two co-host, Fleur East, both departed the franchise earlier this year, with the former Strictly pro taking to YouTube to address the changes.Despite such an overhaul, Ms Jones is adamant that it won't be detrimental to the future of the dance competition. The way I look at it... We've had Brucie (Forsyth), and Brucie's gone. We had Len (Goodman), Len's gone...We had changes on the judge's desk. Darcey (Bussell) left us, you know, Arlene (Phillips), and the show survived all of the changes because at its core, as long as people get to see people dancing, I think we'll be okay. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter