Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones says she got some rather tough love from her mother during the controversial Seann Walsh kiss-gate.
The 30-year-old professional dancer was at the centre of controversy in 2018 when she was photographed locking lips with 34-year-old comedian Seann – while being married to 38-year-old dancer Neil Jones.
The incident put Katya and Neil’s romance under incredible strain – with the couple deciding to split up in August 2019 after six years of marriage.
Speaking about the controversy, the Russian beauty said that she didn’t receive much in the way of sympathy from her mother – who instead chastised her about her behaviour.
Speaking on The Makers Podcast, Katya said: ”It has been really hard.
"During Strictly last year I had a really bad, emotional moment, I called my mum on FaceTime because I didn’t want people to understand what I was saying.
"I felt so sorry for myself, I was in tears."
However, Katya’s mother was firm with the professional dancer.
The Strictly stat explained: “I thought she was going to be nice to me and feel sorry for me, but she shouted at me: ‘Katya, stop crying right now and toughen up. What do you think that everyone in entertainment and the TV world is going to be nice you.’
“It was such a shock and it was a good thing it was exactly what I needed, I needed a kick up my arse.”
She added: “I stopped crying immidiately and went, ‘You’re right mum’.”
Announcing their split last year, Katya and Neil said in a joint statement: "We wish one another every happiness and we will remain the best of friends.”
They added: ”We are really looking forward to getting back to the ballroom and can't wait to keep on dancing."
