Strictly Come Dancing professional Katya Jones has fiercely defended her celebrity partner Wynne Evans following a widely criticized interaction during their recent performance. The pair, who have impressed both judges and audiences with their routines, found themselves under scrutiny after an awkward moment on Saturday night’s live show. Fans spotted Jones moving Evans’ hand away from her waist and rejecting his high-five, sparking rumors of discomfort and misconduct. However, both Jones and Evans insist it was a harmless inside joke.
Emotional Defence on It Takes Two
On Monday night, Jones and Evans appeared on the Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two to address the growing controversy. The opera singer, known for his long-running role in the GoCompare adverts, expressed his heartbreak over the backlash, stating he had rewatched the footage and understood how some viewers could misinterpret it. “I can see how people may have misinterpreted it,” Evans admitted, before clarifying it was not intended to cause offense.
Katya Jones, visibly emotional and clinging to Evans’ arm, came to his defense, saying she couldn’t stand by while her partner was “portrayed as someone he’s not.” She continued, “The idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended in any way is total nonsense, and those that have doubts, you guys have got it wrong.” Jones made it clear that the incident was nothing more than a “silly joke” between close friends, albeit one that had not landed well with the audience.
Inside Joke Gone Wrong
Addressing the specific moment that caused an uproar, Jones explained the so-called “wandering hand” and rejected high-five were part of a running joke between the duo. “Was it a silly joke? Yes. Was it a bad joke? Yes,” Jones admitted, but emphasized there was no ill intent behind it.
Despite their light-hearted explanation, BBC’s Strictly welfare team took the matter seriously, conducting an investigation to ensure the incident was not a sign of misconduct. A Strictly source revealed that both Evans and Jones were spoken to individually, confirming that neither party felt uncomfortable or that there had been any inappropriate behavior. “If there had been any form of misbehavior or cause for concern, it would have been flagged by the welfare team,” the source added. The investigation has since been closed, with no further action planned by the BBC.
Public Reaction and Wynne Evans’ Heartbreak
While the BBC’s investigation concluded there was no cause for concern, Evans has faced harsh criticism from some corners of the internet. Fans of Strictly took to social media to voice their concerns, with some even calling for Evans to be removed from the show. In response, the opera singer shared his feelings on BBC Radio Wales, where he hosts a daily show, saying he was “absolutely heartbroken” by the negative comments. “It’s not nice to live in that time,” Evans reflected, but reassured listeners that he and Jones share a close, trusting friendship. He added, “We made a stupid joke that went wrong… It wasn’t funny. It has been totally misinterpreted.”
Both Katya Jones and Evans have taken to social media to address the situation further, posting a video apology on Instagram and clarifying that their antics were never meant to be taken seriously. Evans has also reiterated his commitment to Strictly
Despite the drama, Jones and Evans remain strong competitors on Strictly Come Dancing, recently earning their highest score of the season—34 out of 40—for their tango to ABBA’s “Money, Money, Money.” Jones expressed her admiration for Evans on Instagram, thanking their supporters and praising Evans for his dedication and talent. “Every Saturday, he leaves me absolutely speechless when he takes the dance to another level!” she wrote.
As the pair prepare for their next performance, the Strictly welfare team has reassured audiences that the necessary safeguards are in place to ensure the wellbeing of both contestants and professionals. New measures, including the presence of chaperones during rehearsals, have been implemented following past complaints on the show.
While the “wandering hand” incident may have caused a stir, Jones and Evans are keen to move forward, continuing to entertain and delight viewers with their performances.