Meet Strictly Come Dancing stars Katya Jones and Neil Jones. Find out who their partners have been over the years, their biggest achievements, and fun personal facts. Table of Contents
Who are Katya and Neil Jones?
Katya and Neil Jones are world-class professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing. They have danced together for more than a decade, winning multiple international titles.
- Former British, European and World Latin American Champions
- Ranked No.1 in England in Professional Latin
- Four-time undefeated British National Professional Champions
Who is Katya Jones’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2026?
For Strictly Come Dancing 2026, Katya is partnered with Northern Irish content creator John Nellis. A former air traffic controller, John has built an enormous online following with his entertaining football videos, challenges and collaborations with stars including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland. John may be a complete ballroom beginner, but his fearless energy and Katya’s famously inventive choreography should make this an unpredictable, entertaining and exciting partnership.
On joining Strictly, John said:
“I’m still in disbelief that I’ve been selected for Strictly and, if I’m honest, I’m a little nervous as I’ve never danced before! It’s such an incredible opportunity, and I’m going to throw myself into every moment.”
Neil does not have a celebrity partner in 2026 and will continue to appear in Strictly’s professional and group routines.
Katya Jones Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Full Name | Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova |
| Age | 36 (born 12 May 1989) |
| Height | 1.68m |
| From | St Petersburg, Russia |
| Relationship Status | Single (formerly married to Neil Jones, separated 2019) |
| Favourite Dance | Latin |
Neil Jones Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Age | 44 (born 4 May 1982) |
| Height | 1.75m (5ft 9in) |
| From | Münster, Germany |
| Relationship Status | Married to Chyna Jones (née Mills, Love Island), with whom he shares a daughter, Havana (born 2023) |
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Strictly’s Katya Jones & Neil Jones review Donahey’s 5* Weekend Breaks…
‘Brilliant!!! Always looking forward to come to Donaheys!’ Katya Jones
Katya Jones Frequently Asked Questions
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?
- 3× World Amateur Latin Champion with Neil Jones (2010–2012)
- World Professional Latin Showdance Champion (2015)
- 4× British National Professional Champion
- Strictly Come Dancing Glitterball Trophy winner (2017 with Joe McFadden)
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?
| Series (Year) | Celebrity Partner | Finish |
| 14 (2016) | Ed Balls | 6th place |
| 15 (2017) | Joe McFadden | 1st place (Winners) |
| 16 (2018) | Seann Walsh | 11th place |
| 17 (2019) | Mike Bushell | 8th place |
| 18 (2020) | Nicola Adams | Withdrew after Katya tested positive for COVID-19 |
| 19 (2021) | Adam Peaty | 9th place |
| 20 (2022) | Tony Adams | 9th place (withdrew through injury) |
| 21 (2023) | Nigel Harman | Withdrew through injury in week 11 |
| 22 (2024) | Wynne Evans | 8th place |
| 23 (2025) | Lewis Cope | 5th place |
| 24 (2026) | John Nellis | Current couple |
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.
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.
Katya and Lewis Cope’s 2025 Strictly journey
Katya and Lewis treated us to an amazing Couple’s Choice clocking up a perfect score for Halloween week! Craig commented “I liked that, spec-tac-ular”. Motsi said it was “a real moment, out of this world”. Anton concluded “best dance of the series by miles, as good as anything ever on Strictly, a-may-zing”.
Katya and Lewis topped the movie week leader board as he donned the mask of Zorro for their stunning Paso Doble performance. Cynthia’s mind was blown! Motsi said it was the dance of the evening and Shirley said it was “extraordinary, quite phenomenal”. Notching up a score of 37 they are definitely one to watch.
The couple do anything but Lose Control with their romantic Viennese Waltz in week 2. The judges enjoyed the modern interpretation of the style but are looking for a smoother connection and refinement. A respectable 28 points kept them close to the top of the leader board.
What a Blackpool worthy opening number from Katya and Lewis! They Looked Good on The Dancefloor with their energetic Charleston that wowed the judges so much they received a perfect score – 40! The excited judges couldn’t sing the couple’s praises enough. Extraordinary, unbelievable, speechless, breathtaking, fab-u-lous and WOW – just a few of the words describing this performance.
We are Falling for Katya and Lewis as they Rumba-ed into week 11. This notoriously tricky dance didn’t trip up Lewis as they scored 36 points. Great story telling and emotion as the couple slowed it down. But the accolade of the evening was being crowned Instant Dance Challenge winners for their joyous Jive. Front row tickets to musicals week.
Who was Katya Jones’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2024?
In 2024, Katya partnered Welsh opera singer and television personality Wynne Evans. Their vibrant routines carried them to Blackpool before they were eliminated in eighth place.
Neil Jones Facts Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neil Jones single?
Neil married former Love Island contestant Chyna Mills at Old Marylebone Town Hall on 26 July 2026. The couple began dating in 2022 and welcomed their daughter, Havana, in October 2023. Chyna now publicly uses the name Chyna Jones.
Who has Neil from Strictly had a baby with?
Neil Jones and his wife, Chyna Jones (née Mills), welcomed their first child together, Havana Jones. The couple announced their daughter’s arrival on 4 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?
- 3x World Amateur Latin Champion with Katya Jones
- World Professional Latin Showdance Champion
- 4x British National Champion
- Choreographer and performer on Strictly Come Dancing and It Takes Two
- Former leader of troupe Kings and Queens on Britain’s Got Talent
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?
| Series (Year) | Celebrity Partner | Finish |
| 14 (2016) | No Celeb Partner | Professional and group routines |
| 15 (2017) | No Celeb Partner | Professional and group routines |
| 16 (2018) | No Celeb Partner | Professional and group routines |
| 17 (2019) | Alex Scott | 5th place (Quarter-finals) |
| 18 (2020) | No Celeb Partner | Professional and group routines |
| 19 (2021) | Nina Wadia | 15th place |
| 20 (2022) | No Celeb Partner | Professional and group routines |
| 21 (2023) | No Celeb Partner | Professional and group routines |
| 22 (2024) | Toyah Willcox | 14th place |
| 23 (2025) | No Celeb Partner | Professional and group routines |
| 24 (2026) | No Celeb Partner | Professional and group routines |
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!
Did Neil Jones have a Strictly partner in 2025?
Neil did not have a celebrity partner in 2025, but continued to perform in Strictly’s professional and group routines.
Who was Neil Jones’s Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2024?
In 2024, Neil partnered rock singer and actress Toyah Willcox. Their creative, theatrical routines took them to week three.
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
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Aleksandra Isaeva
– Cristian Priori
– Lethabo Monametsi
– Maddie Ingoldsby
– Mark Karmalita
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters
Learn more about Strictly presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe
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
