View 2 Images

Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones(Image: Katya Jones Instagram)

Katya Jones has paid tribute to the Strictly Come Dancing partner who she says ‘changed her life’ as she marked their own special day.

The professional dancer is said to have started dancing at the age of six, training in gymnastics as well as Ballroom and Latin-American dancing. She later went on to become an eight-time British National champion in Latin American dancing and a two-time world champion in the same discipline.

But the professional dancer is best known for being part of the hit BBC One dance show, having made her debut back in 2016, before winning the competition in her second series with Holby City actor Joe McFadden.

But it’s her first partner, former politician-turned-Good Morning Britain host Ed Balls, that Katya was seen celebrating this week as he marked his 59th birthday on Wednesday (February 25).

Sharing a smiling picture of the pair together on her Instagram Story, Katya wrote in view of her followers: “Happy birthday to a very special person – my first Strictly partner, turned into a wonderful friend.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info

“A man who unintentionally changed my life, made it better, supported me throughout my entire Strictly career on and off the dance floor, cooked delicious roast dinners, played piano with me and never stopped dancing. I will be forever grateful for you in my life @edballs.”

View 2 Images

Katya paid tribute to Ed on his birthday this week(Image: Katya Jones Instagram)

She also shared a picture of them on the Strictly dancefloor, performing their iconinc ‘Gangnam Style’ routine, alongside which she wrote: “Still can’t believe we got nominated for a BAFTA doing this… [crying laughing emojis].”