Strictly’s Nicola Adams in tears over Strictly exit but vows to keep dancing with Katya Jones
NICOLA ADAMS has vowed to “keep dancing” despite her shock exit from Strictly.
The Olympic gold-medallist was forced to withdraw from the BBC1 show after dance partner Katya Jones was struck down by Covid-19.
It means Nicola - one of the favourites to win the show - will no longer be able to pursue her dream of waltzing off with the Strictly crown.
But the Sun can reveal the 38-year-old is determined to carry on training as a dancer.
She will continue practicing her moves with girlfriend Ella Baig at home - and isn’t ruling out continuing her training with Kayta in the future.
“Nicola is gutted that her Strictly journey has come to end so prematurely,” a source said yesterday.
“Not only was she loving her time on the show. But she adored the whole process of learning to dance and all the different skills she was acquiring along the way.
“Katya was an amazing teacher and Nicola is planning to carry on training even though she is no longer on the show.
“She has just had a new studio designed at home with Ella so they have the space to practice. It means although her story on the show is over she can carry on dancing.
“Nicola would love to meet up and dance with Kayta again one day too. They got on brilliantly and one of the hardest things for Nicola is that she won’t be able to see her again. But the most important thing, above anything else, is that Katya is OK."
The Sun can reveal that Nicola was close to tears after learning she had to quit - and partner Ella has been a massive support.
Most read in Celebrity
"Ella has been great," the friend said. "She, like everyone else, is gutted for Nicola.
"Nobody was prouder than Ella at the way Nicola had performed and she's been rallying round to make sure they are OK.
"As well as being girlfriends they are best mates too so Ella will make sure Nicola doesn't get too down about things."