Strictly Come Dancing sensation Katya Jones, who recently confirmed she is still single, has cheekily wished her former spouse Neil a happy birthday, hinting that the date holds a unique significance for her. The 33 year old dance champion, who lifted the glitterball trophy in 2017 alongside Joe McFadden, took to Instagram to post a nostalgic snapshot of a young Neil.
Her caption read: “Happy Birthday Neil Jones,” accompanied by emojis suggesting a playful and light-hearted tone. However, Katya, who tied the knot with Neil in August 2013 and parted ways in 2019, hinted at an alternative personal celebration on this date.
She added: “Neil’s birthday will forever mean one thing…. Happy Friendiversary to my absolute favourite.” Subsequently, she dedicated a heartfelt Instagram post to her best mate, Team GB Winter Olympian and presenter Aimee Fuller.
Katya has previously shared how she became friends with Aimee through an event linked to Neil’s birthday. Speaking to Hello magazine, she recounted: “We actually met through Neil, my ex-husband.
I went to his birthday party in 2021, and Aimee was a big part of it because she introduced him to wake surfing; we spent his birthday wake surfing with a group of people, and Aimee was one of them, and we got on so well. That was it, the start of the adventure.”
In paying tribute to Katya Jones, Aimee shared a touching post, featuring the pair taking a snooze on a plane together.
The heartfelt caption reads: “Happy Frienneversary to my main squeeze. Love ya my friend.
“And yes a Friennaversary is a thing. Neil Jones thanks for introducing me to my partner in crime. It’s your fault.”
The two friends didn’t stop there, however, as they indulged in some cherished memories, sharing shots of their fun exploits together, including gym workouts, wakeboarding sessions during a sunny holiday, and various outings.
Katya previously opened up to Hello magazine about what makes their friendship so unique.
She said: “There’s a few things. We’re in a similar stage in life, a similar age, we’ve lived that high-intensity career working hard to achieve our dreams and now we’ve come to a place where we’re both single we bond over a lot.
“We love a good chat and share the same morals and values in life. These things are really important to us.”
Eager to contribute her part, Aimee commented: “I’d say we’re each other’s biggest supporters, both in and out of work. I feel so grateful that I’ve had Katya there for the last 18 months it doesn’t matter what it is, she’s there. I’m so excited for her success and seeing her rise, and that’s reciprocated, which is really special in a friendship.”
