Neil and Katya Jones were planning their split nearly a month before it was announced.
The ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ professionals announced last weekend they were ending their six-year marriage but it has now been revealed they had separated their professional relationship before then.
According to documents obtained by The Sun Online, the dancers – who had always worked together during their 11-year relationship – have each set up their own companies, with Neil founding Jonesy Ltd on July 31 and Katya, using her maiden name, registering Sokolova Ltd on August 5.
Both are classified as "amusement and recreation activities" businesses.
The former couple had previously run their own dance studio and event space, The Joneses’ Studio, in Alton, Hampshire, which offered dance lessons and classes – including helping soon-to-be newlyweds prepare for their first dance – offered meets and greets with Neil and Katya and hosted weddings.
Neil and Katya, 30, announced their split on Instagram in a statement which read: "Hi everyone. As our fans and loyal supporters you are really important to us and so we wanted to let you know some news. After 11 years we have made the mutual decision to separate.
"We will always love each other, just in a different way as friends. This will never change what a great team we make and we are really proud of everything we have achieved together.
"Our shared love of dance means we will keep working and dancing together as well as exploring individual projects. No matter what we do we will always support and respect each other.
"We wish one another every happiness and we will remain the best of friends. We are really looking forward to getting back to the ballroom and can’t wait to keep on dancing. Lots of love from us both xx (sic)"
The split came 10 months after Katya was pictured locking lips with comedian Seann Walsh, who was her dance partner during the 2018 series of the BBC Latin and ballroom dance competition.
At the time, Katya publicly apologised for the incident and 37-year-old Neil revealed he had forgiven her, and insisted he wouldn’t be leaving her despite some fans calling for them to split.
Neil and Katya Jones’ professional split
