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!
Updated 7th March 2024
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?
In 2023 series of Stricly Come Dancing, Katya is partnered with Casualty actor Nigel Harman
Katya Jones latest news – Sadly Nigel and Katya were forced to withdraw from the competition on the day off the quarter final, as Nigel has suffered a broken rib. We really enjoyed their journey through the competition and it’s such a shame we’ll never know how far they could have gone!
In 2022 Katya partnered Football Legend Tony Adams, together they brought us some fun & memorable performances on Strictly.
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 – During the Halloween results show, Neil partnered Pro dancer Jowita for a sensational performance with guest singer Rick Astley.
In 2023 Neil doesn’t have a celebrity partner, we’ll see Neil perform in the fabulous group numbers.
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
Who better to teach you to dance than the professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing? You can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform spectacular shows just for you.
Spend the weekend with your favourite stars of Strictly Come Dancing at the stunning 5* Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales
Join Gorka & Karen, Kai & Nadiya, Janette & Aljaz, Katya, Leandro & Maria, Glenn & Caroly, Warren & Kristi plus The Tony Greenwood 15-piece Big Band.
‘Brilliant!!! Always looking forward to come to Donaheys!’ Katya Jones
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.
34 years old (born 12th May 1989)
Katya stands at 1.68m tall
St Petersburg, Russia
In 2023 Strictly’s Katya is partnered with Casualty actor Nigel Harman.
Nigel is a TV, film, and theatre actor and director. Nigel’s acting career started when he was eight – working on multiple TV series, theatre shows, and the odd movie. Most recently joining BBC’s Casualty as Max Cristie, Holby ED’s new Clinical Lead. Nigel was also in EastEnders playing Dennis Rickman and appeared in Downton Abbey.
Among many stage credits Nigel has performed in Guys and Dolls in London’s West End and Shrek the Musical, which he then went on to direct for the UK tour. His film work includes roles in Blood Diamond, Telstar, and The Outsiders for ITV.
His role as Dennis Rickman won him multiple awards, including Most Popular Newcomer at the National Television Awards. He also has an Olivier Award for his role in Shrek. When he’s not on our screens, Nigel enjoys teaching meditation – practising and sharing mindfulness guidance.
On joining Strictly, Nigel said: “I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn…..gulp!”
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!
We were Made for Lovin’ You Katya and Nigel! Halloween week saw a Corpse Bride Cha, Cha, Cha. A few mistakes but when it was good it was great.
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”.
It’s All Coming Back To Him Now! Nigel and Katya came back with a showstopping classic Rumba in week 10. Their partnering and connection impressed Motsi, both Shirley and Craig loved the routine and gorgeous arms.
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.
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.
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
Definitely a cheeky Latin number!
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?
Katya’s dance partners on Strictly include; 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.
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 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.
Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova
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.
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.
41 years old (born 4th May 1982)
Neil stands at 1.75m (5ft 9″) tall
Munster, Germany
Sadly Neil doesn’t have a celebrity partner in 2023, we’ll see Neil perform in the fabulous group numbers.
In 2019 Neil partnered TV Sports Presenter Alex Scott MBE all the way to the Quarter Finals.
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.
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”
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.
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.
Hmm not sure about that.
Cast your minds back to 2016 and you’ll see Neil giving it his all in the Group Dances in series 14.
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.
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.
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.
Find out all about Neil Jones Tour Strictly Professionals
strictlytheprofessionals.com
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 the BBC.
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here;
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Amy Dowden
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Graziano di Prima
– 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
– Oti Mabuse
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas