STRICTLY PRO ON DATING POST-DIVORCE

WHEN it comes to finding love, Strictly dancer Katya Jones is an eternal optimist.

- BY JANINE YAQOOB and JULIE ANNE TRAINOR

The Russian star still hopes to waltz off with the man of her dreams... and become a mum.

Katya, 36, said: “I might meet somebody today. You get up and you never know who you might meet.

“I've got to look nice... I'm always ready and open.”

But the dancer thinks some men may be too scared to approach her.

During her 10 years on the hit BBC show, Katya has made headlines both and off the dancefloor.

In 2017, she lifted the famous Glitterball trophy when she won the series with Scots actor Joe McFadden.

And three years later, she made history when she was paired with boxer Nicola Adams, becoming the first same-sex couple to ever compete in the show.

But she has had her fair share of scandal, too.

Last year, a “private joke” with her opera singer partner Wynne Evans backfired.

And in 2018, Katya was pictured kissing her dance partner, comedian Seann Walsh, in the street.

The clinch - which came after a boozy afternoon - ended her six-year marriage to fellow Strictly dancer Neil Jones and wrecked Seann's relationship with his then-girlfriend.

Katya has said of the kiss: “I wasn't thinking and it was a one-off mistake after drinks.”

Since then, the dancer has been linked to property mogul and former footballer William Abbotts.

The pair were said to have enjoyed a few dates in 2023 before calling it a day.

Katya now believes men are too shy to even talk to her, let alone embark on a relationship.