Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones has finally broken her silence about the emotional breakdown of her marriage to fellow professional dancer Neil Jones, describing the separation as "really tough" in a candid new interview.
The Russian-born dancer, who married Neil in 2013 after years as dance partners, revealed that the couple's decision to part ways came after growing apart over time rather than any single dramatic incident.
The End of an Era
"It was really tough," Katya confessed when discussing their split. "We were together for a very long time, and when you spend so much time with someone, both personally and professionally, it's incredibly difficult when that chapter closes."
The dancing duo, who were both key members of the Strictly professional lineup, announced their separation in 2019 but have continued to work together professionally on the BBC show, creating what Katya describes as a "unique and challenging" dynamic.
Maintaining Professionalism
Despite their personal separation, both dancers have maintained a strong professional relationship, continuing to perform together on Strictly Come Dancing and in various dance projects. "We still respect each other enormously as artists," Katya explained. "The dancing connection never really goes away."
The 34-year-old dancer admitted that navigating their new relationship dynamic while remaining in the public eye presented additional challenges. "When you're in the spotlight, every aspect of your life feels magnified," she said. "We had to learn how to be colleagues again while everyone was watching."
Moving Forward
Since their separation, both dancers have moved on personally while maintaining their professional commitments. Katya has become one of Strictly's most popular professionals, known for her innovative choreography and memorable partnerships with celebrities including Nicola Adams and Mike Bushell.
Neil Jones has also continued his successful career on the show, recently making headlines for his partnership with Love Island star Zara McDermott during the 2023 series.
When asked about the possibility of reconciliation, Katya was clear: "Some relationships are meant to evolve into something different. We'll always have that special bond from our years together, but we've both embraced our new paths."
The dancer concluded by expressing gratitude for the support they've received from Strictly fans and colleagues throughout their personal journey. "The Strictly family has been incredibly supportive through everything. It's more than just a job - it's a proper support system."
