Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024
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KATYA Jones has been a Strictly Come Dancing favourite since joining back in 2016.

The dancing pro is due to return to the show once again for the 2024 series where plenty of celebs will be taking to the dancefloor.

 Katya and Nigel danced together in 2023

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Katya and Nigel danced together in 2023

Who is Katya Jones?

Born on May 12, 1989, Katya Jones is a pro dancer who was born Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova in St Petersburg, Russia, to a Korean mother and Russian businessman father.

She started dancing when she was just six years old and then formed a partnership with her fellow dancer – and now ex-husband – Neil Jones in 2008.

Together they won the World Professional Latin Showdance Championships in 2015 – and they are also four times undefeated British National Professional Champions.

Away from dancing, she is known for her TV work including Celebrity MasterChef, Celebrity Hunted, and CBBC’s Saturday Mash Up.

What is Katya Jones most famous for?

Katya hit the big time when she joined Strictly in 2016 and she has been performing on the show ever since.

Katya also takes part in the annual Strictly Come Dancing tours.

In 2021 Katya took part in Donahey’s Dancing with The Stars Weekend.

Is Katya Jones married and does she have any children?

On August 18, 2019, it was revealed that Katya and her husband Neil Jones had split – ten months after the Russian dancer was pictured kissing dance partner Seann Walsh.

The pair, who married in 2013, confirmed the break-up on Instagram.

In a joint statement, they said: “Hi everyone. As our fans and loyal supporters you are really important to us and so we wanted to let you know some news.

BBC reveal full Strictly Come Dancing line up including Olympians and Reality Stars

“After 11 years we have made the mutual decision to separate.”

Since announcing her split from Neil, Katya has kept her romantic life under wraps.

The Russian beauty has remained tight-lipped on who she is dating.

Katya also does not have any children at this time (September 2024).

Who has Katya Jones been partnered up with in the past on Strictly?

Ed Balls was Katya’s first partner and they had a good run, making it through to week ten thanks to their comedy performances before being eliminated.

In 2017 she was crowned the Strictly champion with dance partner and actor Joe McFadden.

 Katya joined Strictly in 2016

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Katya joined Strictly in 2016

The next year was when she was paired with Seann Walsh and the pair caused controversy with their public kiss.

Mike Bushell was Katya’s next partner and they managed to come eighth.

In 2020 she made Strictly Come Dancing history by becoming the first celebrity to perform in a same-sex pairing after being partnered with Nicola Adams.

2021 saw Katya dancing with Olympic champion Adam Peaty and they came ninth place.

Her next partner was Tony Adams in 2022.

Actor Nigel Harman was paired with Katya in 2023 and they came fifth.

Who’s confirmed for Strictly 2024?

WITH Strictly’s 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed for the new series:

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