Here you’ll meet and find out more about Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones and Strictly pro Neil Jones. Discover the latest on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing and how you could soon be dancing with Katya!
Katya Jones and Neil Jones: All you need to know about the Strictly Professionals
Katya & Neil Jones are British professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing, having danced together for over ten years.
Together they are former British, European and World Latin American Champions.
Did we mention Neil & Katya were formerly ranked No 1 in England in the Professional Latin category?
Katya Jones latest news – In the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Katya is partnered with Welsh opera singer and TV personality, Wynne Evans.
Another dance off for Katya and Wynne, this time it wasn’t meant to be. What a week to go out – in the iconic Tower Ballroom. Their Charleston was entertaining and energetic but wasn’t enough to save them. They have been a fabulous couple to watch, what an entertainer Wynne is!
In 2023 Katya partnered Casualty actor Nigel Harman. Sadly Nigel and Katya were forced to withdraw from the competition on quarter final day, as Nigel had suffered a broken rib.
Katya joined Strictly Come Dancing back in 2016, partnering former Labour MP Ed Balls, together they performed one of the most iconic dances of Strictly – ‘Gangham Style’.
Neil Jones latest news – In the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing, Neil partnered with Rock icon Toyah Wilcox.
Unfortunately their time in the competition was short lived as Neil and Toyah became the second couple to leave the competition in week 3. Their second time in the dance off, it was their time to go those Poor Unfortunate Souls. Her Samba didn’t lack storytelling, it was the technique that saw them dance their final dance.
Neil partnered with Podcaster, TV host, and author Rosie Ramsey for the 2022 Strictly Christmas Special
Learn all about Katya & Neil’s dancing career, dance partners, relationships, awards, photos, facts, age, height, and read their latest news, announcements and tours below
5* Weekend Breaks starring Katya Jones
Who better to teach you to dance than professional dancer Katya Jones? You can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform spectacular shows just for you.
Fri 25th- Sun 27th April 2025
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Fri 20th – Sun 22nd June 2025
5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel
Newport, South Wales
⭐ Join Strictly Stars Amy Dowden MBE, Giovanni Pernice, Lauren Oakley, Jowita Przystal, Nikita Kuzmin, Katya Jones, British, European & World 10 Dance Champions Glenn & Caroly Boyce, Former World Professional Ballroom Champions Warren & Kristi Boyce, British Dance Champion Finalists David Cockram & Rosie Ward, Strictly’s Argentine Tango Stars Leandro Palou & Maria Tsiatsiani, and The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Big Band ⭐
Strictly’s Katya Jones & Neil Jones review Donahey’s 5* Weekend Breaks…
‘Brilliant!!! Always looking forward to come to Donaheys!’ Katya Jones
Katya Jones Facts – Height, Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
Red Hot Russian Dancer & World Latin Champion Katya was born in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Katya started dancing at the young age of 6, training in gymnastics, singing, drawing, piano as well as Ballroom and Latin-American dancing.
In 2008, Katya formed a partnership with Neil Jones, and together they won the World Amateur Latin Championships for the first time in 2010, going on to win the title a total of 3 times, before turning professional in 2013.
In 2015, they became the World Professional Latin Showdance Champions. They are 4 times undefeated British National Professional Champions.
How old is Katya Jones?
35 years old (born 12th May 1989)
What is Katya’s height?
Katya stands at 1.68m tall
Where is Katya Jones from?
St Petersburg, Russia
Who is Katya Jones’ 2024 celebrity partner?
Broadcaster, Presenter, and Opera Singer Wynne Evans
Age: 52
The celebrated Welsh opera singer and TV personality, Wynne Evans, is partnered with *Strictly* legend Katya Jones. Known for her creativity and bold choreography, Katya will aim to bring out Wynne’s theatrical flair. The pairing promises to be entertaining, as Wynne’s larger-than-life personality matches Katya’s daring approach to routines.
Best known for his role as Gio Compario in the Go Compare insurance adverts, Wynne has also dabbled in various theatre performances including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 25th anniversary special of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall.
On joining the show Wynne said ‘I am honestly still pinching myself, a portly balding opera singer, me, taking part in Strictly Come Dancing?! I’m not entirely sure how I’ll get along, if all else fails I’ll just have to learn the art of distraction. What I do know is I will give it my all and aim to make Wales proud. I’m definitely going to try and combine my love of Opera into one of my routines. Plus, after winning Celebrity MasterChef last year, maybe the route to the judges’ hearts will be through their stomachs!’ Wynne says.
Wynne also has a daily radio show on BBC Radio Wales and has previously had radio shows on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM.
Fun Fact: Wynne’s ready to swap his iconic “Gio Compario” persona for sequins and sambas.
Katya and Wynne closed the show in week one with a “light and bright” Samba that put a smile on Craig’s face! Motsi praised Wynne for not missing a beat and Shirley for his spectacular musicality. They certainly served up some fabulous entertainment.
Tangoing into week 4 to Money, Money, Money Katya and Wynne tell a Wall Street story. The judges are impressed, Shirley comments “you’re in it to win it, mate” and Antons says it’s one of his best- racking up their best score yet with 34.
Canned Heat indeed as Katya and Wynne danced a devilishly spicy Salsa in Halloween Week. Craig called Wynne a “born entertainer” and Shirley commended the brave lifts.
Katya and Wynne found themselves in the dance off in week 8. The couple were saved by the judges and will be dancing at famous Tower Ballroom. Their American Smooth to Grace Kelly was subjected to a few criticisms but overall the judges loved watching the pair. As do we!
Is Katya Jones single?
Yes. Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya was married to former dance partner and Strictly professional dancer Neil Jones. They announced their separation in 2019 – the couple had been together for 11 years and married for six.
What are Katya’s greatest dance achievements?
World Latin Champion, Katya, started dancing at the age of six. As well as studying Ballroom and Latin American dancing, she also mastered the piano, singing, drawing and gymnastics. She partnered up with Neil in 2008 and they nabbed the World Amateur Latin Championships in 2010. The couple won the title a total of three times before turning professional in 2013. But that’s not all; in 2015 they became the World Professional Latin Showdance Champions. They’re also four-time undefeated British National Professional Champions.
Who is Katya Jones’ professional dance partner?
Despite separating in September 2019, Katya and her ex-husband Neil, continued to work together on many dance projects as well as exploring individual projects.
In 2023 Katya partnered Aljaz Skorjanec for many shows & performances, including Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Weekends
What’s Katya’s favourite dance?
Definitely a cheeky Latin number!
When did Katya Jones join Strictly?
Katya bounced onto our screens back in 2016 when she put former Labour MP, Ed Balls, through his paces on the Strictly dance floor. Who’d have thought watching a former politician attempting the Salsa to Gangnam Style could be so addictive?
Who has Katya Jones danced with on Strictly?
Katya’s dance partners on Strictly include; Casualty actor Nigel Harman, Football Legend Tony Adams, Gold Medal Olympic Swimmer Adam Peaty, Ed Balls, Joe McFadden, Seann Walsh, Mike Bushell and Britain’s most successful female boxer of all time, Nicola Adams OBE.
In 2023 Katya partnered Casualty actor Nigel Harman
WOW! Katya & Nigel closed week 1 with their sensational Nirvana-soundtracked Paso Doble, and the judges loved it. “stole the night” said Anton with Shirley naming Nigel as the one to beat.
Katya and Nigel opened Movie Week with a Jaunty Jive as the dynamic crime fighting duo Batman and Robin. The judges spotted some small mistakes but enjoyed the overall performance – as did we!
Katya and Nigel Swung into the Tower Ballroom with their elegant Quickstep. Shirley enjoyed the “power packed extravaganza” and despite some small mistakes Motsi said it was “some of the best dancing we’ve seen here today”.
Sadly Nigel and Katya were forced to withdraw from the competition on quarter final day, as Nigel had suffered a broken rib.
In 2022 Katya partnered Football Legend Tony Adams, together they brought us some fun & memorable performances on Strictly.
Has Katya ever won Strictly?
Yes, Katya and Joe McFadden knocked out the rest of the competition to claim the trophy in 2017.
Find out who has won BBC Strictly Come Dancing with our full list of past Strictly winners from 2004 here – Strictly Winners
Katya Jones Fact?
Katya appeared on Celebrity Hunted 2022
The pro dancer swapped the ballroom for being on the run as part of the celebrity edition of the hit show in 2022.
What is Katya’s real name?
Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova
Has Katya ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
Ed Balls did nearly drop Katya during their American Smooth, however in October 2019 Katya accidentally fell over in the middle of the dance floor whilst performing with Mike Bushell. Ever the professional, Katya continued directing their performance for a fantastic finish!
Find out more about Katya’s dancing profile on her official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
Neil Jones Facts – Height, Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
World Latin Champion Neil is the undefeated 4-time British National Champion, and the three-time winner of the World Amateur Latin Championships with his wife Katya.
Neil was born in Munster, Germany and started dancing at a local ballet school at the age of 3. He trained in tap, modern and ballet as well as Ballroom and Latin-American.
Neil has represented Finland, Holland and the UK during the course of his competitive career and holds many titles including: UK, British, Dutch, European and World Latin Champion.
How old is Neil Jones?
42 years old (born 4th May 1982)
What is Neil’s height?
Neil stands at 1.75m (5ft 9″) tall
Where is Neil Jones from?
Munster, Germany
Who is Neil’s celebrity partner in 2024?
Singer Toyah Wilcox
Age: 66
Rock icon and actress Toyah Wilcox is paired with Neil Jones for what promises to be a creative and fun partnership. Toyah’s theatrical background and unique stage presence should pair well with Neil’s innovative choreography, making this duo one to watch for artistic flair.
Toyah Willcox is a decorated singer, with a career across 40 years in which she has had eight top 40 singles, released over 20 albums and has appeared in over 40 stage plays.
In 2018, Paul McCartney awarded her a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Companionship for Outstanding Achievement in music, drama, performance and media.
On joining Strictly, Toyah said, ‘Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it! This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I’m here for every sparkly second. I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!’
Unfortunately their time in the competition was short lived as Neil and Toyah became the second couple to leave the competition in week 3. Their second time in the dance off, it was their time to go those Poor Unfortunate Souls. Her Samba didn’t lack storytelling, it was the technique that saw them dance their final dance.
No stranger to the limelight Toyah and Neil came out fighting with a great comeback after finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard last week. They Jived into Week 2 to Nutbush City Limits and Anton said “1000 times better than last week, more of that please”. We are sure they’ll deliver.
In week 1 Toyah & Neil danced a Tango to Ray Of Light by Madonna
Is Neil Jones single?
Neil is engaged to Love Islands’ Chyna Mills, they have been dating since 2022. In April 2023 Neil and the former Love Island star, 24, announced they had become engaged as they shared Chyna was pregnant.
Who has Neil from Strictly had a baby with?
Neil Jones and his fiancée Chyna Mills have welcomed their first child together, Havana Jones. The couple announced news of their daughter’s arrival on 4th October 2023.
Speaking on Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday, proud Neil admitted he “can’t stop smiling” since welcoming his little bundle of joy into the world and becoming a dad.
Speaking of their name choice, pro dancer Neil revelaed “Cuba is the home of dance and very multicultural so it was perfect; it sums us up”
What are Neil’s greatest dance achievements?
Neil started life on a British Army base in Munster, Germany and got to grips with ballet at the age of three before studying Tap, Modern and Ballroom and Latin American dancing. Not only has he represented the UK during his career, but also Holland and Finland. He’s a World Latin Champion, a four-time British National Champion, a three-time World Amateur Latin Champion and a World Professional Latin Showdance Champion. He’s also appeared on ITV’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ as the head of troupe King’s and Queens, is an assistant choreographer on Strictly and a resident ‘Dance Expert’ on BBC Two’s, ‘It Takes Two’. Basically, the boy’s done good.
Who is Neil’s professional dance partner?
Despite separating in September 2019, Neil and his former wife, Katya, are continuing to work together on many dance projects as well as exploring individual projects.
In 2024 Neil is partnering Diane Buswell.
What’s Neil’s favourite dance?
Hmm not sure about that.
When did Neil join Strictly?
Cast your minds back to 2016 and you’ll see Neil giving it his all in the Group Dances in series 14.
Who has Neil danced with on Strictly?
In 2023 Neil didn’t have a celebrity partner, we saw Neil performing in the fabulous group numbers.
During the Halloween results show, Neil partnered Pro dancer Jowita for a sensational performance with guest singer Rick Astley.
Neil partnered Podcaster, TV host, and author Rosie Ramsey for the 2022 Strictly Christmas Special In 2021 Neil partnered Eastenders Actress Nina Wadia. Sadly Neil and Nina’s theatrical Tango wasn’t enough to keep them in as they were the first couple to leave the competition in week 2.
Neil and Mel Giedroyc danced in the 2021 Christmas Special.
In series 17 Neil partnered sports presenter Alex Scott MBE all the way to the quarter finals.
Neil has performed in many of the Group Dances throughout the series plus starred in several Strictly Come Dancing Christmas specials, dancing with Anita Rani in 2018.
Has Neil ever won Strictly?
Sadly not, Alex & Neil didn’t manage to swipe the Glitter Ball in 2019 after being eliminated at the quarter finals.
In 2021 Neil and Nina’s theatrical Tango wasn’t enough to keep them in as they were the first couple to leave the competition in week 2.
Has Neil ever had a wardrobe malfunction on Strictly?
It happens to the best of them and Neil is no exception. Whilst dancing with his first ever celebrity partner, Alex Scott, in series 17, the couple suffered numerous microphone entanglements during the first Argentine Tango of the series to ‘Never Tear Us Apart’ by Bishop Briggs. In fact, Tess Daly had to tear them apart before the judges could give their critique. Ironic really!
Find out more about Neil’s dancing profile on his official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile page.
Neil Jones Tour Dates & Venues
Find out all about Neil Jones Tour Strictly Professionals
strictlytheprofessionals.com
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Checkout Katya & Neil’s DanceSport ranking
www.dancesportinfo.net/Couple/Neil_Jones_and_Ekaterina_Jones_103477/Details
Donahey’s Dance Lessons & 4* UK Weekend Breaks are not associated with BBC Studios
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here;
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Amy Dowden
– Dianne Buswell
– Gorka Marquez
– Janette Manrara
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Luba Mushtuk
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Jowita Przystal
– Lauren Oakley
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood
