Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones didn’t hold back in her latest dig at dance partner Wynne Evans amid the recent “grope” controversy. The pair faced scrutiny after a couple of ungainly on-camera incidents during last Saturday’s live show, which raised some fans’ concerns for Katya’s well-being.
Despite the drama, Katya and 52-year-old Wynne have doubled down on demonstrating their strong bond to their audience and Strictly fans. In a light-hearted social media post, Wynne shared a video of himself carrying Katya up a mountain, lampooning her choice of footwear, the Mirror reports.
Wynne asked: “I’ve got to carry her up a mountain as she’s brought these ridiculous London shoes. Do you know where we’re going? ” to which Katya quipped: “To get a bacon roll! ”
Katya was quick to retort on the clip with a pointed joke: “Only fair, since I’ve been carrying you around the dance floor all week!! ” This elicited mixed reactions from viewers, with some surprised by the banter but others suggesting it displayed the duo’s genuine friendship.
One fan wrote: “Love you both, keep strong and ignore all that other nonsense” while another echoed the sentiment and added: “Amazing to see you both having fun…I’ve hated the news lately! It’s a load of made up codswallop.”
A particularly frustrated follower called for online trolls to stop pestering Wynne on social media, asserting it affected more than just the individuals involved. They wrote: “Wynne and Katya seem to enjoy each other’s friendship and the only people who were affected by this hyped up story were Wynne and Katya. Sick of all you dramatic people wanting attention. Done, dusted and all over now! ! “
Some of Wynne’s supporters scrutinised a recent clip for signs of chemistry – or lack thereof – between him and dance partner Katya, with claims circulating that perhaps Katya was feigning her enjoyment.
One sceptical viewer wrore: “People are easily fooled, she’s hating every second of this,” with another stating bluntly: “Don’t buy it. Sorry.”
The pair have been under the microscope after a controversial incident on last weekend’s Strictly broadcast sparked an uproar. During the show, Wynne was seen in an awkward exchange when his hand on Katya’s waist was briskly pushed away, and a failed high five resulted in Katya delivering a rather sharp look.
The moments raised eyebrows among viewers, leading to them issuing apologetic statements on their social platforms, assuring fans of their friendship.
On his BBC Radio Wales show on Monday, Wynne, with emotion in his voice, clarified that the waist grab and the high-five rejection during the recent Strictly episode were actually part of an “inside joke” he shared with his dance partner Katya.
He expressed being “heartbroken” by the negative press, stating: “I’m absolutely heartbroken by the things that have been written about me in the last day,” lamenting on the harsh spotlight. He further explained their close bond, noting “It’s not nice to live in that time, but basically Katya and I are really, really close and we’re really good friends, and on Saturday night we made a stupid joke.”
The opera singer admitted the joke “went wrong” although they both found it amusing initially. “It wasn’t funny. It has been totally misinterpreted. Everything’s on Katya’s socials.
“She’s talked about it. She’s explained that it was a joke. She wasn’t offended in the least. She doesn’t feel uncomfortable.”
He confessed his confusion over the need to apologise, insisting “because I feel like I’ve not really done anything.”
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.