Katya Jones has taken to Instagram with a lengthy message aimed at her Strictly partner Nigel Harman after injury cut their journey short on the show.
Harman revealed during Saturday’s live show that he injured his rib and as a result was unable to continue in the competition – leaving Jones in tears.
The pair joined Fleur East on Monday’s It Takes Two to discuss more about their journey where Jones beamed with pride for her partner while the Casualty star also opened up on what his wife made of their Strictly stint.
However, on Tuesday afternoon, Jones made a return to Instagram for the first time since leaving the series alongside Harman to share a heartfelt post dedicated to her dance partner.
Alongside a series of behind-the-scenes snaps from their time together, Jones began: “And here we are,” followed by a heartbroken emoji.
She soon followed it up with: “What an abrupt ending. But when the dust has settled, I know only beautiful memories will remain in my heart.
Katya Jones shared a number of behind the scenes snaps in her tribute to Nigel
INSTAGRAM/KATYA JONES
“When we turned up every day and had our coffees, when we would have discussions about the story of our dance and our characters, every time you made me laugh, every time you gave me a reassuring hug.
“When I would get excited about your toilet breaks because you always belted out some amazing tunes whilst doing your business. Giving the first preview of our dances to your family, and see their faces light up.
“The support of your friends and countless messages of love and encouragement that we received. The list can go on.”
Jones’s tribute continued: “And then the excitement of doing the dance on-set and see it come alive on Fridays. Eventually walking out on to the dance floor together every Saturday, holding hands, feeling the magic in the air.”
The Strictly star concluded her post: “I am so grateful this partnership happened. So proud of you and privileged to spend time with such enormously talented human. @themeditatingactor #WeAreTheS**t.”
It didn’t take long for Strictly fans to flood the dancer with their messages of support in response to her post, including one follower who penned: “So sad that you’ve had to withdraw. Was so looking forward to seeing the Charleston and seeing you both in the final. You were both amazing to watch!”
A second echoed: “Such a shame – even more so as your last dance was amazing. At least you left on a high. I am sure you both have so many lovely memories.”
While a third was similarly dismayed by the premature departure: “So sad your beautiful partnership came to such an abrupt end. You’re a fabulous pair to watch…Absolutely mesmerising.” (sic)
WATCH NOW: Nigel and Katya in tears after quitting Strictly
Now that Harman and Jones have left the competition, just four celebrities remain in the running to lift the Glitterball Trophy.
Layton Williams will be hoping to add to the success of bagging the first 40 of the series in the semi-finals as he and Nikita Kuzmin take on a Charleston and Rumba.
Elsewhere, Annabel Croft will aim to rocket back up the leaderboard with a Salsa and Viennese Waltz alongside partner Johannes Radebe.
Frontrunner Ellie Leach and her partner Vito Coppola will dance a Couple’s Choice and a Cha Cha, while Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell are tasked with a Quickstep and Paso Doble for the semis.
