Katya Jones is a renowned Russian dancer and choreographer, best known for her professional appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC’s iconic ballroom competition. She first joined the show in 2016 and quickly established herself as one of the program’s standout professionals. Katya won the 2017 Glitterball Trophy with her partner, actor Joe McFadden, and has since participated in multiple series, including forming the first same-sex partnership with retired boxer Nicola Adams in 2020.
Her career spans competitive dance, stage performances, television appearances, and choreography. Known for her precision, charisma, and dedication, Katya continues to inspire aspiring dancers worldwide. Beyond the ballroom, she has navigated a highly publicized personal life, maintaining professionalism and focus throughout.
Quick Facts of Katya Jones
| Quick Facts of Katya Jones | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova |
| Stage Name | Katya Jones |
| Date of Birth | May 12, 1989 |
| Age | 36 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | St Petersburg, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Occupation | Dancer, Choreographer |
| Years Active | 2008–Present |
| Spouse | Neil Jones (2013–2023, divorced) |
| Children | None publicly known |
| Net Worth | Estimated £500,000–£600,000 (2025) |
| Notable Achievements | Strictly Come Dancing 2017 winner, World Professional Latin Showdance Champion, four-time British National Professional Champion |
| Other TV Appearances | Celebrity MasterChef (2022), Celebrity Hunted (2023) |
| Stage Work | Somnium: A Dancer’s Dream (2019), various pantomimes |
Early Life and Dance Training
Katya was born Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova on May 12, 1989, in Sestroretsk, near Leningrad (now St Petersburg), Russia. She began dancing at age six, training in gymnastics, ballroom, and Latin-American dance. Her father, a senior oil company executive, and her mother, an engineer of Korean descent, provided a supportive environment that nurtured her talent.
Career Highlights
Early Career and Competitive Dance
Katya partnered professionally with fellow dancer Neil Jones in 2008, later marrying him in 2013. Together, they achieved notable success:
- World Professional Latin Showdance Champions
- Four-time undefeated British National Professional Champions
Strictly Come Dancing
Katya joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2016:
- 2016 (Series 14): Partnered with politician Ed Balls, finishing 6th.
- 2017 (Series 15): Partnered with actor Joe McFadden, winning the series.
- 2018 (Series 16): Partnered with comedian Seann Walsh, finishing 11th.
- 2020 (Series 18): Partnered with boxer Nicola Adams, forming the first same-sex couple; withdrew due to COVID-19.
- 2021–2025: Partnered with Adam Peaty, Tony Adams, Nigel Harman, Wynne Evans, and Lewis Cope, consistently showcasing top-tier performances.
Katya also participated in the Strictly Come Dancing – The Live Tour in 2024 and is scheduled for Dancing with the Stars Weekends in 2025.
Television and Stage Appearances
Outside Strictly, Katya has:
- Competed on Celebrity MasterChef (2022) and Celebrity Hunted (2023)
- Starred in the short film Dakota Stone (2025) alongside Nancy Xu
- Featured in stage productions, including Somnium: A Dancer’s Dream (2019) and multiple pantomimes
Personal Life
Katya married fellow professional dancer Neil Jones in 2013, after a five-year relationship. The marriage ended in 2019, following media scrutiny surrounding her relationship with dance partner Seann Walsh. Despite the divorce, Katya and Neil have maintained a professional friendship, often collaborating on dance projects.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Katya’s estimated net worth in 2025 ranges between £500,000–£600,000, earned through:
- Strictly Come Dancing series and tours
- Competitive dance achievements
- Television appearances and endorsements
She comes from a privileged background, with her father being a successful businessman and her mother an engineer, which helped support her early training.
Trivia and Interesting Facts
- Won Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 with Joe McFadden
- Competed in the first same-sex partnership on Strictly (2020)
- Four-time British National Professional Latin Champions
- Professional partnership and former marriage with Neil Jones lasted a decade in total
- Began dancing at age six and trained in both gymnastics and ballroom
