Katya Jones, a prominent professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, is commemorating her 10th year on the popular BBC dance show. Prior to joining the series, the 36-year-old Russian dancer had an impressive track record, boasting nine British National and three World champion titles in Latin dance.
Despite her previous achievements, Katya recently shared a poignant revelation that it wasn’t until she partnered with celebrity Ed Balls on Strictly that she truly felt her own talent. Reflecting on her competitive years before the show, Katya disclosed that the intense nature of that world left little room for savoring victories.
She expressed, “As a multi-World and British champion, I often doubted my abilities, feeling unworthy of success. It was only with Ed that I finally felt competent.” Katya emphasized that her partnership with Ed brought unexpected joy and a newfound confidence in her skills.
Their collaboration on the show, which saw them finish sixth in her debut season, became iconic with their memorable Gangnam Style routine earning a prestigious nomination at the BAFTAs. In a groundbreaking moment in 2020, Katya partnered with boxer Nicola Adams in Strictly’s first same-sex pairing, although they had to withdraw due to Covid.
Katya, who was previously married to fellow dancer Neil Jones, candidly discussed some of the challenges she faced during her time on the show, including the aftermath of the Seann Walsh scandal. She highlighted the importance of focusing on her work amidst the intense media scrutiny.
She shared, “I lead two lives – my public persona and my private reality. Regardless of external noise, I prioritize my real life, enjoying simple moments like walking my dogs or playing the piano. Your true life is not defined by outside opinions.”
In conclusion, Katya’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing has been marked by both triumphs and trials, shaping her into a resilient and talented performer.
* Follow Mirror Celebs on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads.