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Katya Jones has paid tribute to friend and former Strictly Come Dancing partner Adam Peaty after watching him win silver in the 100m breast-stroke final at the Olympics in Paris.
The Russian professional dancer, 35, was paired with the swimmer, 29, on the show in 2021 and was in the French capital on Sunday supporting him alongside his mother Caroline, and his girlfriend Holly Ramsay, plus, their three-year-old son George.
Jones shared a number of pictures and videos on social media capturing Peaty’s big moment and took to Instagram the day after to reflect on his achievements and pay tribute.
“He did it. I have so much respect for this guy. Such a wholesome human, which shows in and out of the pool,” her post began.
“As he said, in his heart he has won. And he will always be our champion. Well done @melmarshallmassive , we know it won’t be possible without you.
“It felt very personal last night to be there and watch him swim. And so special to be part of the support gang for Adam!”
“Our champ always”, Jones declared, alongside a clip she filmed of Peaty receiving his silver medal after coming in joint-second with Nic Fink, with Nicolo Martinenghi taking gold, adding: 'He is such an incredible man. Someone who has gone through so much, yet remained so dignified. They will love you always and regardless of any results.”
Jones and Peaty’s staunch display of friendship comes as Strictly faces its biggest crisis in its 20 years, as a wave of complaints from past celebrity contestants have been made in recent months over claims of “abuse” and “bullying”.
Professional Graziano Di Prima, 30, was axed from the show following claims he hit and spat at his dancing partner Zara McDermott, 27, during rehearsals for last year’s series.
While Giovanni Pernice, 33, was suspended while the broadcaster launches an investigation into claims of off-camera misconduct made by Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, 50, and two other former celebrity partners.
The Italian native has vowed ‘I’ll be back’ and has reportedly provided a dossier of evidence to the BBC probe that he believes will exonerate him.
A spokesperson for Pernice previously said: “Giovanni refutes these allegations and denies any accusations of abusive or threatening behaviour. He has provided substantive evidence to the investigation, and he remains fully confident of clearing his name.”
