Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones, who is on the show tonight (Saturday, September 20), once opened up about a health battle that left her covered in bruises.

The star, who first joined Strictly back in 2016, opened up about the health ordeal during an interview last year.

Katya went through a horrific health ordeal (Credit: BBC)

Strictly star Katya Jones on being ‘so thin’ bruises appeared on her body

During an appearance on the Spooning with Mark Wogan podcast last year, Katya opened up about a time that she considered herself “so thin”.

“I was a vegetarian for a few years, but I’m coming back now to eating fish and chicken. I realised there wasn’t enough protein in [her diet],” she said on the show.

Her friend, Aimee Fuller, the Olympic snowboarder, was also on the show and chimed in, offering insight into just how Katya makes sure she gets everything she needs from the meat she eats.

“Katya hates waste. She takes the [chicken] leg and the wing, and all of the skin and the carcass. I’ve never seen anybody eat bones!” she said.

Katya was ‘so thin’ that she was bruising easily (Credit: CoverImages.com)

‘I was so thin’

Elaborating, Katya said: “Me and my mum will fight for the bones, if someone is eating fish let’s say, or trotter, we’re waiting for them to finish it so we can like suck the bones dry, and the head, the head is really good.

“So that’s why I started eating them, but I didn’t gain, I knew I wasn’t gaining enough protein,” she then continued.

Turning to her pal, she then said: “Do you remember that one year when I was so thin? You could touch me and I would just go… like, the bruises would just pop up all over my body.”

According to Healthline, protein plays a crucial role in repairing and building bodily tissues.

According to Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, the amount of protein your body requires depends on your weight and general health. Healthy adults are recommended to eat approximately one gram of protein for each kilogram of their body weight daily.

Katya Jones talks thinking about the future

In a recent interview, Katya admitted that she knows her body won’t let her keep dancing forever.

“I know my body won’t let me dance at this level forever, so I’m already thinking about the future,” she told OK! magazine.

“Judging on Dancing With The Stars Belgium this year was a dream. I loved every second. It felt natural and I realised I can bring something different to the panel, not just as a champion dancer but also from years of guiding celebs as a pro,” she then continued.

“So don’t be surprised if you see me eyeing up a judge’s chair for good.”