KATYA JONES The Strictly Come Dancing star steps out in style in our exclusive photoshoot
SHARES TREASURES IN HER WARDROBE AND SETS HER SIGHTS ON THE GLITTERBALL
Over her five years on Strictly Come Dancing, professional Katya Jones has worn some truly dazzling outfits. But for her, the true treasures are to be found in her own wardrobe.
The 32-year-old dancer is modelling a selection of her favourite vintage, upcycled and borrowed pieces exclusively for hello!, following a pledge she made two years ago to “do her bit” to reduce landfill by not buying any new clothes.
Although her original vow was for 12 months, she is still going strong and it has led to “a complete shift in mindset”, she says.
“I’ve always loved dressing up and used to use all the fast-fashion brands, because it’s so easy and convenient – you see something, press a button, it’s at your door the next day, and if you don’t like it, you send it back.
“But a year on from when the challenge I set myself ended, I can still count on my fingers the number of new items I have bought – and that includes underwear, tights, everything.”
However, that doesn’t mean her passion for fashion has diminished, she says. “It’s not about chasing trends; it’s about finding your style and what suits you. You can’t go wrong if you look for quality and timeless shapes.”
As an example, Katya cites a pale-pink belted dress edged in lace that she was given
‘It’s not about chasing trends; it’s about finding your style and what suits you. You can’t go wrong if you look for quality’
by her paternal grandmother, after whom she was named.
“She wore it when she was my age so it is over 50 years old, but my nan had all her clothes handmade by seamstresses, so the quality is exceptional and it will still look good in years to come, I’m sure of it,” she says.
“When she first used to say to me: ‘Take this, I won’t wear it any more,’ I was hesitant because, you know, it’s your nan and what does she know about what’s cool to wear?
“But when I started to look more closely and notice all the detailing and hear the stories behind the pieces, I realised these are items I should keep and treasure.”
GETTING CREATIVE
Another piece that holds special memories – and which she shares here – is a fringed bag that Katya customised herself ahead of her first red carpet after being welcomed into the Strictly family.
“It was inspired by a bag in an episode of Sex and the City,” she says. “I knew a moment like my first red carpet called for something unique and a little quirky, so I made it myself because that way you can always be sure no one else will have the same thing.”
Such a sewing whizz is she, Katya can often be found helping out Strictly’s wardrobe team if she has a spare hour.
“It’s well known on set that if they can’t find me, that’s where I’ll be, sticking on rhinestones or making adjustments,” she says, laughing. “I love doing it and they’re always so busy.” She’s also picked up some valuable tips: “The Strictly wardrobe team are among the very best and most creative at repurposing
‘My nan had her clothes handmade by seamstresses, so the quality is exceptional. These are items I treasure’
and reusing, which is something I don’t think a lot of people realise. For example, you might see me wear a dress in week one and, in the final, the skirt from it will have been transformed and teamed with the top of another dress you’ve seen on another dancer. The ways they find to repurpose is absolutely unreal. They’re brilliant.”
Her commitment now goes beyond clothes. “Once I tapped into sustainability with fashion, I discovered possibilities in other areas. We are mindful about our use of single-use plastic and carrying our own water bottles and coffee cups – that’s almost normal now. Leaving the house, I always have my water bottle, coffee cup, grocery bags – and I carry a cutlery set. I know everybody is trying to be better about it. It’s about spreading awareness on the changes that can be made.”
With anticipation about this year’s series ramping up, Katya remembers all too well the devastation she felt last year when, three weeks after making history by partnering Olympic boxer Nicola Adams to become the show’s first same-sex couple, she had to leave the contest following a positive Covid test.
“It was such a privilege to be bringing fans this small slice of consistency at such an uncertain time in the world and also, with Nicola and I being the first same-sex couple, it was very upsetting to have to leave when we did,” she says.
“But we made our mark and Nicola definitely delivered the message she wanted to deliver – and we are always going to be the first.”
Rumours are growing that this year, the hit BBC show will see dancer Graziano Di Prima in the first all- male pairing – but if Katya has heard anything, she is keeping quiet.
‘My job is so important to me. I am fully committed to the show. I always go for it and do everything I can’
“Oooh, is that what they’re saying? Interesting…” she says.
Her dream partner would be US actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. “Although I might have to wait a year or so for him,” she says. “He seems like a genuinely fantastic guy. And he’s just sooo muscly, he’d be great at doing lifts.”
Not that Katya, whose marriage to fellow Strictly star Neil Jones ended two years ago, is looking for a man in her life right now. “My job is so important to me, I like to be totally invested, and with my Strictly journey last year cut short, I feel I’ve got even more to give this year,” she says. “If something was to come along naturally afterwards then sure, that would be great. But for now I’m fully committed to the show.”
‘With my Strictly journey last year cut short, I feel I’ve got even more to give this year’
IN IT TO WIN IT
With four new faces in the professional line-up, the excitement is mounting.
“Competition is good. Fresh blood keeps us all on our toes,” she says, although she has her eye firmly on the coveted Glitterball trophy. “I always go for it and do everything I can to give my celebrities the best experience. And this year, I’m going all the way.”
Katya will feel like a winner anyway if her positive message about sustainable fashion inspires others. “With the pandemic, people realised they can go without shopping for a while. It gave us a chance to rediscover what we have in our wardrobes.”