Ekaterina Leonova has been a significant part of the "Let's Dance" television family since she joined in 2013, quickly making her mark in this much-loved dance competition. She has danced her way to victory three times, partnering with various celebrities, including her most recent collaboration with Diego Pooth, son of advertising icon Verona Pooth. But her life isn’t just about the glitz and glamour of television. In February 2025, Ekaterina publicly announced a new chapter in her personal life, revealing her relationship with Ilya Viarmenich.
Born on April 23, 1987, in Volgograd, Russia, Ekaterina has always maintained a strong connection with her roots. In a 2024 interview with AZ, she stated, "Heimat ist da, wo die Familie ist," translating to "Home is where the family is." This sentiment echoes throughout her life as she has built a new home and career in Germany.
Throughout her time on "Let's Dance," Ekaterina's personal life has often been a subject of interest. From her relationships with dance partner Paul Lorenz to the flurry of speculation surrounding her romantic entanglements, the media's curiosity seemed never-ending. Motsi Mabuse, a fellow choreographer and judge on the show, commented in 2023, "Zwischen den Tanzpaaren muss es vor der Kamera funken und manchmal funkt es zu sehr oder es sieht zumindest danach aus – man weiß es nicht," meaning that sparks often fly between partners, raising questions about the nature of their interactions.
Ekaterina herself has expressed her frustration with such speculation. She famously shared, "Ich kann nicht einmal mit Freunden essen gehen, ohne dass mir wieder ein neuer Partner angedichtet wird," indicating her annoyance towards the rumors that swirl around her every time she dances on the show.
This February, just in time for Valentine’s Day, Ekaterina made a heartfelt Instagram post, officially introducing Ilya Viarmenich to her fans. She wrote, "Er ist kein Promi. Er ist kein Millionär. Er ist viel mehr! Er ist mein Herz," which translates to, "He is not a celebrity. He is not a millionaire. He is much more! He is my heart." This public declaration delighted her fans and marked a new beginning in her personal life.
However, right before the start of the highly anticipated 2025 season, Ekaterina faced some health challenges. She had to step back from rehearsals due to illness, leaving her partner Diego Pooth without a training partner. Thankfully, Ilya, being a professional dancer himself and closely associated with her, jumped in to help during her recovery. As she noted in an Instagram story, "Die haben sich gut verstanden, ohne mich," meaning "They got along well without me." This seamless transition showcased the strong bond between the trio.
Life in the spotlight has its challenges. Recently, during a backstage visit for his show "Du gewinnst hier nicht die Million," the entertainment icon Stefan Raab teased both Ekaterina and Diego. With his signature playful style, Raab joked about her past relationships, asking Diego, "Macht sich Ekat auch an dich ran?" which translates to "Is Ekat also making a move on you?" His remarks playfully speculated about her rumored history of dating dance partners, known to last for only a fleeting six months before she moves on to the next.
Despite the cheeky nature of Raab's comments, the warmth of Ekaterina's current relationship is undeniable. As she carries on with her role on "Let's Dance," her fans are sure to rally behind her, celebrating both her achievements and her personal happiness. Ekaterina has gotten through difficult relationships in the past, including her notable five-year long romance with Paul Lorenz, with whom she became public in 2008 following her win as Miss Volgograd. The couple was an inseparable pair until they decided to separate in 2014 due to a lack of communication.
Before making her entrance into "Let's Dance," she experienced numerous struggles to carve a space for herself in the competitive dancing world. Although her first dance instructor doubted her abilities, Ekaterina persisted and was later crowned Miss Wolgograd, which led to an unexpected invitation to dance professionally in Germany. She recalls how she and Paul maintained their relationship during their early dance career, balancing love and competition.
Since the beginning of her time on "Let's Dance," Ekaterina Leonova has been known for her passion and dedication to dance, demonstrating great resilience. She returned to the show in 2022 after a two-year hiatus, showcasing that her talent has not waned over time. With a string of successes including a third-place finish in 2024 alongside choreographer Detlef D! Soost, she continues to captivate audiences every Friday evening as "Let's Dance" airs on RTL.
As Ekaterina navigates the precision of dance and the complexities of life as a public figure, she perseveres amid the ups and downs—a testament to her strength and charm. Her fans eagerly await her performances and the unfolding story of her relationship with Ilya, which promises to be another exciting chapter in her already fascinating life.
