Katya Virshilas's Biography

They were the second couple to be voted off.

In series 8 of Strictly Come Dancing, Katya Virshilas was paired with Gavin Henson.

Katya and Gavin narrowly missed out on appearing in the final of Strictly Come Dancing, coming fifth.

Katya Virshilas was 25-years-old when she was scheduled to make her Strictly Come Dancing debut as a professional dancer, partnering Phil Tufnell in the 2009 season.

Katya and Phil were eliminated in week 9 of Strictly Come Dancing.

Katya Virshilas, who is 5'6", was born in Lithuania in 1983.

When she was six Katya's family moved to Israel and she started to dance.

When she was 13 Katya's family moved to Vancouver in Canada, and she pursued her interest in dance further, becoming the youngest-ever British Columbian Latin Dance Champion when she was 16.

In 2000, Katya won the Canadian Latin Championship, earning herself a place at the World Championships representing Canada in Russia.

Danceway lists some of Katya Virshilas's dancing achievements with dance partners Jason Tabachnicov and Dmitry Ilyushenov.

As well as dancing, Katya Virshilas teaches dance at the Drive Dance Centre in Vancouver.

In 2003 Katya Virshilas not only acted in the dance drama Shall We Dance but she was also the trainer/choreographer for Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez.

Katya starred opposite Antonio Banderas in the movie Take the Lead.

In October 2009, Katya Virshilas got engaged.