Strictly launch show 2019: Katya Jones says she and Neil will always have 'dance chemistry' despite recent split

Katya Jones has said she and her ex Neil still have “dance chemistry” after recently announcing their split.

The Strictly pros published a statement on Instagram two weeks ago confirming they have broken up after six years of marriage and 11 years together.

In the message, they said they will “continue dancing together as well as exploring individual projects”.

It came nearly a year after Katya was pictured kissing her former dance partner Seann Walsh, although they did not cite the comedian in their reasons for the break-up.

But despite their union ending, Katya, 30, said dancing with Neil, 37, was something "you can't take away".

“We love dancing together and that's why we have chosen to keep on dancing together. He's just got his own show. I'm just so happy for him.

"Dancing brought us together and that's going to stay that way forever. It's really nice, actually. All the fans, they are there for the dancing and for us.”

She added: "We have danced together for 11 years now. It's just something you can't take away. We just have that dance chemistry, no matter what."

Katya was speaking at the red carpet launch of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing at BBC Television Centre in west London.

The event in London was also attended by this year's celebrities, including social media star Saffron Barker, sports presenter Mike Bushell and US TV personality Michelle Visage, as well as judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli.

Soap star Catherine Tyldesley, named by bookmakers as a favourite to win, advised fans to avoid betting on her.

She said: "It's just hilarious because nobody has seen me dance yet and I'm like Mr Bean. I wouldn't be putting money on me, babes.

"I can't wait (to get into training). We've been working on the group dance already. I've got the Strictly bug. We did three days of rehearsals last weeks and I was just buzzing. I can't wait.

"I'm completely 50/50 on this. I'm really excited but I'm petrified. I'm a complete beginner. I will always have a smile on my face and I will always, always give 100%. That's the best anybody can do really, and just keep my fingers crossed."

This year's Strictly starts on Saturday, September 7.

With reporting from Press Association