Katya Jones is a world-class professional Latin American dancer and choreographer who has been a mainstay on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing since 2016. Born Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova in Saint Petersburg, Russia, she rose to international prominence as a World Professional Latin Showdance Champion before capturing the British public’s heart by winning the Strictly Glitterball Trophy in 2017. As of 2026, Katya remains one of the most creatively daring choreographers on television, known for her technical precision and innovative routines.
In this comprehensive guide, you will explore Katya’s early life in Russia, her record-breaking professional dance career alongside former husband Neil Jones, and a complete history of her celebrity partnerships on Strictly Come Dancing. We also delve into her recent projects in 2025 and 2026, her environmental advocacy, and the most frequently asked questions about her personal life and net worth.
Early Life and Russian Training
Katya Jones was born on May 12, 1989, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, to a senior oil company executive and an engineer mother of Korean heritage. She began her formal dance training at the age of six, undergoing a rigorous education in gymnastics, ballet, and ballroom that is characteristic of the elite Russian school of dance.
This disciplined upbringing provided the foundation for her later success in the international ballroom circuit. Beyond the dance floor, Katya was a talented musician, studying piano for eight years and reaching a high competitive level before deciding to focus exclusively on her burgeoning dance career.
Professional Partnership with Neil Jones
In 2008, Katya moved to the United Kingdom after being paired with British dancer Neil Jones by a mutual coach in Blackpool. The duo quickly became a force to be reckoned with, winning the World Amateur Latin Championships three times between 2010 and 2012 before turning professional.
Their professional career reached its zenith in 2015 when they were crowned the World Professional Latin Showdance Champions. Together, they also secured four undefeated British National Professional Champion titles, solidifying their status as one of the most successful pairings in modern ballroom history.
Joining Strictly Come Dancing
Katya Jones made her debut on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016 during the show’s 14th series. Her arrival was immediate and impactful, as she was paired with former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls, creating some of the most viral moments in the show’s history.
The partnership with Ed Balls, specifically their “Gangnam Style” Salsa, earned Katya a BAFTA nomination for “TV Moment of the Year.” This debut proved her ability to transform unlikely candidates into competent performers while providing top-tier entertainment for millions of viewers.
Winning the Glitterball Trophy
In 2017, just one year after joining the show, Katya secured her first victory by winning the series with Holby City actor Joe McFadden. The pair was praised for their versatility and Katya’s storytelling-driven choreography, which often pushed the boundaries of traditional ballroom.
Their victory was notable for its consistency, as they never once appeared in the dance-off throughout the entire competition. This win established Katya as one of the “pro to watch,” renowned for her tactical approach to the competition and her “no-nonsense” training style.
History-Making Same-Sex Partnership
Katya made television history in 2020 by being part of the first-ever same-sex pairing on Strictly Come Dancing with Olympic boxer Nicola Adams. This move was a landmark moment for representation in ballroom dance, which has traditionally adhered to gender-binary roles.
Although the pair had to withdraw early from the competition due to Katya testing positive for COVID-19, their impact was lasting. The partnership paved the way for future same-sex pairings on the show, such as John Whaite and Johannes Radebe, and Richie Anderson and Giovanni Pernice.
Career Milestones and Recent Partners
Katya has partnered with a diverse range of celebrities, from athletes like Adam Peaty and Tony Adams to actors like Nigel Harman. In 2024, she reached the Blackpool Tower Ballroom with Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans, demonstrating her ability to coach students of all ages and backgrounds.
In the most recent 2025 series, Katya was paired with Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope. The duo made it to the quarter-finals, with Lewis notably becoming the first celebrity of that series to score a perfect 10 from the judges under Katya’s expert guidance.
Personal Life and Relationships
Katya was married to fellow professional Neil Jones for six years, from 2013 to 2019, having been together for a total of 11 years. Despite their separation, the two have remained close friends and professional collaborators, frequently appearing together in Strictly pro numbers and tours.
As of early 2026, Katya has been vocal about her personal journey and her desire to find a long-term partner and start a family. She has openly discussed the possibility of freezing her eggs to balance her demanding career with her future maternal goals, drawing inspiration from her parents’ 40-year marriage.
Environmental and Charitable Work
Beyond dancing, Katya is a passionate advocate for sustainability and “slow fashion.” In 2019, she famously vowed not to buy any new clothes for an entire year to raise awareness about the environmental impact of the textile industry and the benefits of upcycling.
She is also an ambassador for National Numeracy, a charity dedicated to improving math skills across the UK, and has worked closely with Cancer Research UK and Oxfam. Her hobbies include sewing, crafting, and yoga, often sharing her DIY fashion projects with her followers on social media.
Net Worth and Earnings in 2026
While precise figures for celebrity earnings are often private, industry experts estimate Katya Jones’s net worth to be approximately £1.5 million to £3.5 million as of 2026. This wealth is accumulated through her BBC salary, professional dance tours, and various brand endorsements.
The standard salary for a Strictly professional starts at roughly £50,000 per series, but seasoned pros like Katya can earn significantly more through the Strictly Live Tour and solo theater productions. Her family background in the Russian oil industry also suggests a secure financial foundation independent of her television career.
Practical Information for Fans
If you are looking to see Katya Jones perform live or follow her work, here is the essential information for the 2026 season:
- Strictly Live Tour: Usually runs from January to February each year; tickets typically range from £35 to £100.
- Dance Workshops: Katya occasionally hosts workshops at dance schools across the UK, such as her recent 2025 visit to East Barnet School.
- Social Media: Follow her on Instagram (@katyajones) for behind-the-scenes content and sustainable fashion tips.
- TV Appearances: Catch her on Strictly Come Dancing every Saturday and Sunday from September to December on BBC One.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Katya Jones won Strictly? Katya Jones has won the Glitterball Trophy once, in 2017, with celebrity partner Joe McFadden. She has reached the final stages of the competition multiple times with other partners like Ed Balls and Lewis Cope.
Is Katya Jones still married to Neil Jones? No, Katya and Neil Jones announced their separation in August 2019. They remain on good terms and continue to work together as professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing.
Where is Katya Jones originally from? Katya was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. She moved to the United Kingdom in 2008 to further her professional dance career with Neil Jones.
What is Katya Jones’s dance specialty? She is a specialist in Latin American dance, holding multiple world and national titles in the Professional Latin and Showdance categories.
Who was Katya’s partner in 2025? In the 2025 series of Strictly, Katya was partnered with actor Lewis Cope. They were one of the top-performing couples of the series, reaching the quarter-finals.
Does Katya Jones have children? As of 2026, Katya Jones does not have any children, though she has expressed a strong desire to start a family in the future.
What history did Katya make on Strictly in 2020? Katya made history in 2020 by being part of the show’s first-ever same-sex partnership with Olympic gold medalist Nicola Adams.
What is Katya’s height? Katya Jones is approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall, which is considered a versatile height for ballroom and Latin partnering.
Is Katya Jones still on Strictly Come Dancing? Yes, as of the 2025/2026 season, Katya remains one of the most prominent professional dancers on the BBC show.
What languages does Katya Jones speak? Katya is a native Russian speaker and is fluent in English. She also has a basic understanding of Spanish and Italian.
What did Katya Jones do before Strictly? Before joining the show, she was a world-champion competitive dancer and coach, winning numerous international titles in the amateur and professional circuits.
What is Katya’s role with National Numeracy? Katya is a celebrity ambassador for National Numeracy, helping to promote the importance of math skills and confidence with numbers among adults and children in the UK.
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