Strictly Come Dancing chiefs are expected to confirm that pro dancer Katya, 31, will pair up with boxer Nicola as Strictly’s first same-sex couple.
Nicola and Katya sparked speculation this week after they were both pictured giggling with one another as they exited a dance studio.
It’s said that they will officially team up when Strictly returns for the launch show on October 17.
Olympic champ Nicola, 37, said of the pairing: “I think it’s a brilliant step in the right direction, especially on the diversity side of things.”
The Leeds-native went on to say: “And women actually dance with women all the time in the professional circuit so I guess it’s just showing people that it can be done.”
Nicola Adam’s pairing with Katya is expected to be announced in days (Image: PA)
Russian-born Katya, 31, is said to be a “huge believer in girl power” and was “telling everyone” how much she wanted to be paired with Nicola.
Previously speaking to The Sun, a source said: “She [Katya] sees it as a chance to make history but also to redeem herself on the show after her scandal two years ago.
“She’s a real girls’ girl and is keen to move on from that.”
Nicola made history by winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics (Image: Getty Images)
Nicola, who recently appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox said that it was a “really important decision” that she was partnered with a woman.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, the world champ said: “I asked the show about it.
“They wanted to know if I wanted to be on the show and I said ‘yeah I’ll do it but I want to dance with another female dance partner.
Katya Jones was seen giggling with Nicola as they left a dance studio together (Image: Getty Images)
“It’s definitely a time for change and time to move on and be more diverse. This is a brilliant step in the right direction.”
Nicola made history at the London 2012 Olympics, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ Olympian to take home a gold medal in boxing.
She later brought home gold again at the 2016 Rio games.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens on October 24.
