Strictly Come Dancing’s Welsh hopeful, Wynne Evans, has sent out an urgent six-word message to his supporters as he gears up for the fifth live show – “Don’t forget to vote vote vote.”
This appeal comes in the wake of controversy last weekend, when the opera singer and his pro dancing partner Katya Jones found themselves apologising to their audience after an ‘in-joke’ seemed to spectacularly misfire. Videos that circulated rapidly online received a flurry of reactions from viewers – one clip showed Katya seemingly snubbing Wynne’s attempt at a ‘high five,’ while another showed Wynne’s hand stray across her waist, only for Katya to swiftly brush it away.
Addressing the issue later during a conversation with a Radio Wales host, Wynne expressed being “heartbroken” over the furore surrounding what he termed a “misjudged” in-joke.
A week on and Wynne and Katya are one of the couples among the favourites to be facing elimination this weekend, with Betfair Slingo placing their odds at 9/2, even though Paul Merson is tipped for the next exit.
In a last-ditch effort ahead of the live show, Wynne reached out to fans through his official Instagram with a heartfelt post: “Here we go it’s nearly showtime. Thanks for all the wonderful messages I’m certainly feeling love. Don’t forget to vote vote vote, love you all you’re amazing,” including the official website voting link, reports Wales Online.
Supporters were quick to express their encouragement, with one fan commenting: “Break a Leg Wynne…Love You xx” And another adding: “Good luck…just be you and enjoy. Love watching you both dance. A real joy.”
Another supporter chimed in: “Will definitely be voting for you, have the best time. Enjoy the full experience. Wynne to win xxx” While someone else stated: “We’re behind you Wynne and Katya, all the way! ! ! Go smash it! ! !”.
One message read: “Go smash it Wynne! Glad you’ve seen all the messages and felt our love! ! Rooting for you all the way.”
And yet another admirer said: “The both of you have our full support! Smash it.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One on Saturday and on BBC iPlayer