Katya Jones is a name that resonates far beyond the ballroom. As a Russian-born professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, she has won a glitterball trophy, been at the centre of one of the show’s biggest scandals, and become a fixture of British television. In 2025, with a promising new partner and ongoing speculation about her personal life, interest in her story is as high as ever.
For viewers who have followed her journey since 2016, Katya Jones represents something rare: a dancer whose career on the show has been a mix of triumph, turbulence, and tenacity. From winning the series with Joe McFadden to navigating the fallout of the Seann Walsh kiss, her path has been anything but predictable.
This article draws on verified reporting and official sources to separate fact from rumour, covering her real name, her relationships, the controversy that made headlines, and what lies ahead on Strictly Come Dancing.
Who Is Katya Jones’ Partner?
The question of who Katya Jones is dating, or whether she is in a relationship, is one of the most searched topics about her. The available evidence draws a clear distinction between her professional dance partnership in 2025 and any confirmed romantic involvement.
| Real Name & Origins | Ekaterina Sokolova, born in Saint Petersburg, Russia |
| Partner / Relationship | Current relationship status unconfirmed; rumoured to be Lewis Cope |
| Strictly Win | Won in 2017 with actor Joe McFadden |
| Key Controversy | Kiss with comedian Seann Walsh in 2018 |
Key Insights at a Glance
- Katya Jones’ real name is Ekaterina Sokolova; she performs professionally as Katya Jones.
- She is not currently married; her ex-husband Neil Jones is also a former Strictly dancer.
- In 2025, her dance partner on Strictly is Lewis Cope, a former Emmerdale actor with some prior dance experience.
- The 2018 kiss with Seann Walsh led to intense media coverage, but both were single at the time.
- She won Strictly in 2017 alongside Joe McFadden.
- She was part of the show’s first same-sex pairing in 2020, dancing with Nicola Adams.
- Her 2025 partnership with Lewis Cope is widely seen as her most promising recent pairing after several disrupted seasons.
Katya Jones: Quick Reference Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ekaterina “Katya” Jones (née Sokolova) |
| Born | Saint Petersburg, Russia (age 35–36 as of 2025) |
| Strictly Debut | 2016 |
| Won Strictly | 2017 with Joe McFadden |
| Same-Sex Pairing | 2020 with Nicola Adams |
| First Strictly Partner | Ed Balls (2016) |
| Marriage | Married to Neil Jones from 2013 until separation in 2019 |
| 2025 Strictly Partner | Lewis Cope (professional dance partner) |
| Current Relationship Status | Unconfirmed; subject of speculation |
What Is Katya Jones’ Real Name?
Katya Jones was born Ekaterina Andreevna Sokolova in Saint Petersburg, Russia, according to her Wikipedia entry and official BBC profile. She adopted the professional name Katya Jones after her marriage to fellow dancer Neil Jones, and it is the name under which she competes and performs.
The use of “Katya” is a familiar diminutive of Ekaterina, common in Russian culture. Her professional surname, Jones, came from her marriage. Since her separation from Neil Jones in 2019, she has continued to use the name Katya Jones in all her professional work, including her BBC Strictly profile.
Early Life and Dance Background
Born in the late 1980s or early 1990s, Katya began dancing at the age of six, according to promotional material from Warner Hotels, where she performs at themed weekends. She went on to become a world champion in competitive dance before moving to the United Kingdom. Her competitive background gave her a technical edge that quickly made her stand out when she joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.
Did Katya Jones Kiss Seann Walsh?
Yes. In 2018, Katya Jones and comedian Seann Walsh, who were dance partners on Strictly Come Dancing that year, were photographed kissing outside a London pub. The incident became one of the most widely discussed moments in the show’s recent history.
What Happened
According to reporting from The Week and The Independent, the kiss took place on the birthday of Walsh’s then-girlfriend, Rebecca Humphries. Walsh later described it as a “drunken mistake,” while Jones issued a statement saying the kiss was not a reflection of her marriage to Neil Jones.
Aftermath and Impact
The controversy dominated tabloid coverage for weeks. Walsh and Jones were eliminated from the competition shortly afterwards, and the incident became a defining example of the so-called “Strictly curse.” The scandal also prompted wider discussion about the pressures placed on celebrity contestants and professional dancers within the show’s intense rehearsal environment.
The term refers to the pattern of real-life romances or scandals that emerge between dance partners during the series. While the kiss between Jones and Walsh is often cited as a prime example, reports at the time noted that both were in relationships with other people, not with each other. The phrase has since become shorthand for any relationship drama linked to the show.
Will Katya Jones Be on Strictly 2025?
Yes. Katya Jones is confirmed as a professional dancer for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Her celebrity partner for the season is Lewis Cope, a former Emmerdale actor who has some dance training from appearing in Billy Elliot as a child.
The Lewis Cope Partnership
Cope, according to AOL reporting, became the first celebrity of the 2025 class to receive a score of 10 from the judges while dancing with Jones. Coverage from The Independent framed the pairing as a turning point for Jones, who had experienced several disrupted or unlucky seasons in previous years.
A Run of Bad Luck
Jones’ recent Strictly history includes partnerships cut short by injury or withdrawal. Nicola Adams had to leave the 2020 series early due to restrictions, and other partners such as Nigel Harman and Tony Adams also saw their runs affected by injuries. This context makes the Cope partnership — a healthy, promising duo — stand out as her most stable in several years.
Public speculation has linked Jones and Cope romantically, but the available reporting consistently refers to them as a dance partnership. None of the verified sources — including Wikipedia, The Independent, or official BBC material — confirm a romantic relationship. The evidence points to a professional pairing that is performing well in the competition.
When Did Key Events Shape Katya Jones’ Career?
Below is a chronological overview of the major milestones in Katya Jones’ life and career, based on verified reporting.
- 1989 or 1990: Born Ekaterina Sokolova in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
- 2000s: Competitive dance career; becomes a world champion in Latin and ballroom.
- 2013: Marries fellow dancer Neil Jones.
- 2016: Joins Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer; partnered with Ed Balls.
- 2017: Wins the series with actor Joe McFadden.
- 2018: Kiss with Seann Walsh during their series; incident becomes a major media story.
- 2019: Separation from Neil Jones announced in August.
- 2020: Partners with Nicola Adams in the show’s first same-sex pairing.
- 2024-2025: Paired with Lewis Cope for the 2025 series; partnership draws strong early reviews.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
When searching for information about Katya Jones, readers encounter a mix of established facts and unverified speculation. This breakdown clarifies where the evidence stands.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Her real name is Ekaterina Sokolova (confirmed by Wikipedia and BBC sources). | Whether she is in a romantic relationship with Lewis Cope is unconfirmed. |
| She was married to Neil Jones from 2013 until their separation in 2019. | Her exact current relationship status has not been publicly stated. |
| The kiss with Seann Walsh occurred in 2018 and was widely photographed and reported. | Her participation in future Strictly series beyond 2025 has not been officially announced. |
| She won Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 with Joe McFadden. | The full details of her early dance career in Russia are not extensively documented in English-language sources. |
How Did the Seann Walsh Scandal Affect Strictly Come Dancing?
The 2018 incident had repercussions beyond the individuals involved. It intensified public scrutiny of the Strictly rehearsal environment and contributed to broader conversations about duty of care for contestants. In the years that followed, the BBC introduced additional welfare measures for celebrity participants and professional dancers.
For Katya Jones, the scandal became a permanent part of her public profile. Despite winning the series the year before, she became as well known for the kiss as for her dancing. The coverage also shaped how later seasons of Strictly managed partner pairings and media access.
The incident remains one of the most searched topics associated with her name, and it continues to surface in coverage of each new series — including the 2025 season with Lewis Cope. Readers interested in other Strictly winners may find the story of Jill Halfpenny – Biography, Iconic Roles and 2026 Dramas a useful comparison, as she also navigated life after winning the show.
What Do Official Sources Say About Katya Jones?
Verifiable information about Katya Jones comes from a small number of authoritative sources. Below are excerpts from the most prominent ones.
“Born Ekaterina Sokolova, Katya’s story kicks off in her hometown of Saint Petersburg… She started dancing at the age of six and went on to become a world champion.”
— BBC Strictly Profile
“She is best-known for being a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing.”
— Wikipedia
“Russian born Katya started dancing at the age of six… Winner @bbcstrictly 2017.”
— Warner Hotels promotional description
Katya Jones’ Instagram profile and Facebook page offer further personal updates, though they are not typically used for official statements about her relationships or future plans.
What Is the Full Picture of Katya Jones in 2025?
Katya Jones remains one of the most recognisable professional dancers on British television. Her career includes a series win, a groundbreaking same-sex partnership, and a longevity on Strictly that few dancers achieve. The 2025 season, with Lewis Cope as her partner, marks a return to form after several disrupted years. Her personal life, while the subject of public curiosity, remains largely private, with no confirmed romantic relationship on record. For those following the wider world of UK dance and competition shows, the profile of Ruthie Henshall – Partner, Children, and Career in 2025 offers additional context on life in the public eye after a stage and screen career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Katya Jones
How old is Katya Jones?
Katya Jones was born in 1989 or 1990 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, making her approximately 35 or 36 years old as of 2025. Her exact date of birth is not widely published.
Is Katya Jones still married to Neil Jones?
No. She and Neil Jones announced their separation in August 2019. They had been married since August 2013. The divorce has since been finalised.
Who did Katya Jones win Strictly with?
She won the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 with actor Joe McFadden, who is best known for his role in Holby City.
What is Katya Jones’ Instagram handle?
Her official Instagram account is @katyajones. It features behind-the-scenes content from Strictly, personal updates, and promotional material.
Did Katya Jones really kiss Seann Walsh?
Yes. Photographs published in 2018 showed the pair kissing outside a London pub. Walsh described it as a “drunken mistake,” and Jones said it did not reflect her marriage.
What is Katya Jones’ nationality?
She is Russian. She was born in Saint Petersburg and represents her Russian heritage in her professional biography, though she has lived and worked in the UK for many years.
Who is Katya Jones’ dance partner in 2025?
Her celebrity partner on Strictly Come Dancing for the 2025 series is Lewis Cope, a former Emmerdale actor with some prior dance experience from his childhood role in Billy Elliot.
Is Katya Jones dating Lewis Cope?
There is no official confirmation of a romantic relationship. The available reporting describes them exclusively as a dance partnership, and no verified source has stated otherwise.
What is the “Strictly curse”?
The “Strictly curse” is a term used by the media to describe real-life relationship complications that arise between dance partners during the series. The Katya Jones and Seann Walsh kiss is one of the most frequently cited examples.
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.